DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – The Loras women's basketball team began 2016 much like they ended 2015, defeating the University of Chicago on Saturday afternoon inside the Athletic & Welleness Center, 79-68. Senior Kaitlin Phillips led the Duhawks with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, including nine points in the final frame.

TURNING POINT
After managing to tie the game 51-51 to end the third quarter, the Maroons quickly regained their lead. This caused head coach Justin Heinzen to call a timeout with 7:33 remaining in the fourth. Following the timeout, Loras went on an 8-0 scoring run to take a 63-59 lead.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter
The first two minutes of the game remained scoreless until UChicago's Stephanie Anderson scored a layup by driving the lane. After the Maroons scored another layup, junior Terese McMahon responded with a jumper to put Loras on the board. For the remainder of the quarter, the Maroons added to their lead, opening a seven-point spread with 3:22 remaining.

After coach Heinzen's timeout in the seventh minute of the game, the Duhawks scored four unanswered points to trail 12-9 after the first quarter.

Second Quarter
UChicago opened the second quarter with 6-2 run to pull ahead even further. Struggling to make inside shots, both teams began to increase their play from behind the arc. In the first half alone, the Maroons attempted 13 3-pointers, converting six, while Loras went 5-of-14 from behind the line. Senior Megan Jones, sophomore Lauren Stanich and freshman Jess Brown contributed to this effort.

With 1:47 left in the half, the Maroons had extended their lead to eight points. Brown's 3-pointer followed by a fast break layup brought the Duhawks within three to trail 30-27 entering halftime.

Third Quarter
The Maroons quickly extended to a 35-27 lead after Caitlin Moore and Madison Dunbar scored a layup and 3-pointer, respectively. The Duhawks remained focused, however, and never allowed UChicago to take a double-digit lead. Loras spent the 10 minutes of the third quarter mounting their comeback.

McMahon led this effort as she recorded 10 points in the third quarter. Her versatility allowed her to move about the floor scoring off jumpers, layups and free throws. Phillips and Cabrera added to the scoreboard as well to tie the game 51-51 after the third.

Fourth Quarter
Cabrera scored to open the final quarter and take Loras' first lead of the game. UChicago quickly responded and regained their lead forcing coach Heinzen to call a timeout with 7:33 remaining. Following the timeout, the Duhawks scored eight unanswered points to open a 63-59 lead. This momentum led Loras to effectively implement the rest of the game.

In the final minutes of the quarter, everything clicked for the Duhawks on both offense and defense. With 2:36 left Phillips stole the ball and passed it to junior Lori Obendorf who completed the fast break layup. Two possessions later, sophomore Lauren Stanich drained a 3-pointer to extend the advantage. The Duhawks outscored the Maroons 28-17 in the fourth to secure the victory, 79-68.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kaitlin Phillips | Phillips filled the stat sheet in Saturday's game recording 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Nine of her 17 points game in the fourth quarter which ultimately allowed the Duhawks to take the lead over the Maroons.

HIGHLIGHTS | First Half


HIGHLIGHTS | Second Half


SOUNDBITES | Kaitlin Phillips and Kat Cabrera


SOUNDBITES | Terese McMahon and Justin Heinzen


UP NEXT
The Duhawks will open Iowa Conference play against Coe on Wednesday, Jan. 6. The Kohawks (8-2) defeated Elmhurst in a 68-64 victory on Dec. 30. Last season, Loras posted a 1-1 record against Coe, collecting their victory on Feb. 14 in a 63-57 win.