Nov. 18, 2005

Box Score

CHICAGO - Visiting Illinois shot 65-percent from the field in the second half and cruised to a 79-39 win over Loyola tonight in the season opener for both teams at the Gentile Center. The Rambers, in their first game under new head coach Shannon Reidy, were led by junior Marquise Hanser's career-high 20 points.

"We just do not have the horses that Illinois has right now," said Reidy. "Our execution was not very good tonight, especially when we got it down to a three-point game in the first half. We do not have the depth that we need, especially in the back court, to keep up with a team like Illinois for 40 minutes."

Loyola struggled offensively all night and Illinois crawled out to a 13-2 lead after eight minutes. The Ramblers, who used a strong defense to stay close, then came to life, reeling off the next eight points capped by a pair of Hanser free throws, to cut it to three (13-10) with 7:25 on the clock. Loyola had two chances to draw even but turned it over both times and Lori Bjork drained a three-pointer off an inbounds play to quell the Ramblers' momentum. The shot kickstarted a 16-2 Fighting Illini run over the final six minutes of the half, which ended with the visitors owning a 29-12 lead. Illinois carried the momentum into the second half and cruised to the win.

Hanser hit 7-of-17 field goals, including four triples, en route to her game-high 20 points. Danielle Lonie and Jana Lucas each added six points apiece. Bjork led the way for Illinois with 13 points while Maggie Acuna added 11 points, seven assists and five steals.

Loyola returns to the floor on Sunday when it travels to Illinois State for a 2 p.m. tip in Normal, Ill.