Contact: Drew Sauer, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. (Nov. 3, 2018) – In preparation for the upcoming 2018-19 season, the North Central College women's basketball team traveled to NCAA Division I Loyola University Chicago for an exhibition on Saturday inside Gentile Arena.
 
The Cardinals hung with the Ramblers over the first quarter, as a three-pointer from Alanna Newsome gave North Central a 16-12 lead with 2:17 to play in the opening period.
 
The North Central offense suddenly went cold however, as Loyola countered with a 16-2 run over the next seven-plus minutes to open up a double-digit lead 28-18 with 5:03 remaining before the half.
 
After trailing by 10 at the intermission, Natali Dimitrova knocked down a pair of free throws to open the second half, but the Ramblers yet again went on another 14-2 run, increasing the lead to 20 at the 5:23 mark of the third quarter.
 
Loyola went on to lead by double-figures the remainder of the contest en route to the 73-49 win, as four of the five starters finished in double figures, led by 16 points from Abby O'Connor.
 
A pair of freshman led the scoring attack for North Central, as Newsome led the way with 13 points off the bench on 5-of-9 shooting from the field, while Tyonne Howard added 10 points and a team-high four assists.  Dimitrova snagged nine rebounds and seven points.
 
North Central opens the regular season at home inside Gregory Arena on Saturday, Nov. 10, hosting Knox College at 6 p.m.  Links to live in-game coverage are available HERE.