CHICAGO (11/9/2021) - Sophomore Irene Murua put together a solid performance scoring 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting with four rebounds, three assists and three steals while Sydney Searcy added seven points and two assists with a team-high six rebounds and four steals as Detroit Mercy fell 63-40 at Loyola in the season opener on Tuesday night at Gentile Arena. 

Daija Moses had six points with five rebounds and three assists while Janna Lewis also added six points with three rebounds. Brandi Washington and Imani McNeal chipped in with five and four points respectively.

The Titans were solid on the defensive end grabbing seven steals while forcing 18 Loyola turnovers. Consequently, the Ramblers had nine steals and saw the Titans commit 21 turnovers which led to a 22-5 points off turnovers advantage which proved to be a major factor. Detroit Mercy also struggled from the free throw line going 8-for-21 (38.1%).

In the second half, Lucia Fleta Robles went coast-to-coast with a layup to cut the deficit to 10 points at 27-17. Loyola once again responded with another run outsourcing the Titans 13-2 to end the third quarter with a 40-29 advantage.

Detroit Mercy's scoring drought continued in the fourth quarter as Loyola outscored the Titans 23-11 to close out the game.

During the first half, baskets were hard to come by as both teams turned up the pressure defensively. Detroit Mercy had five steals and forced 10 turnovers while Loyola had six steals and forced 13 turnovers. However, Loyola was able to close out the first quarter on a 8-3 run and followed with an 11-3 run to close out the half to take a 26-16 lead into the locker room.

The Titans travel to Ypsilanti, Mich. for a game against Eastern Michigan on Sat., Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.