Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SEAN WALLACE; SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
The Loyola University Chicago women’s basketball team used a 7-0 run in the final 2:54 to defeat St. Bonaventure University in the second round of the A-10 Tournament on Thursday at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.
The Bonnies (16-15, 7-11 A-10) closed the first quarter with a 12-2 run to take an 18-16 lead into the second quarter.
Both teams traded baskets throughout the second and third quarters, and the game was tied at 50 entering the fourth.
Bonaventure led 59-54 with 2:42 remaining, but Loyola (14-16, 9-9 A-10) used a 7-0 run, capped by freshman guard Alex-Anne Bessette’s go-ahead layup in the final minute, to secure the win.
Bessette led the Ramblers with 20 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Alexa Kinas chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds.
Graduate guard Aaliyah Parker led the Bonnies with 16 points and five rebounds. Graduate guard Laycee Drake posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Bonaventure finished the season with its best record in a decade. Loyola will face the top-seeded University of Rhode Island (25-4, 16-2 A-10) in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 6. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m., and the game will air on USA Network.
