SIU women’s basketball lost not only its two-game win streak against Loyola 83-59 on Friday, but also the Salukis’ starting center.

Senior center Dyana Pierre started her first game since she was injured in a 82-77 loss to Missouri State on Jan. 24, but lasted only midway through the second quarter before she exited with an injury. During a Ramblers’ 10-2 run with 3:12 in the second quarter, Pierre reinjured her shoulder that forced her out for the remainder of the game.

The Salukis (13-9, 6-4 Missouri Valley Conference) came into the game hoping to avenge the 69-68 overtime loss against the Ramblers on Jan. 10, but sloppy play and poor shooting lead to a Ramblers’ blowout. The Salukis shot 22-70 from the field and 6-29 from 3-point land.

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With the loss, SIU’s chances of a regular-season conference title are in jeopardy as they would need to win out to have a chance. The Ramblers (11-10, 7-3 MVC) are now in a tie for second place.

SIU was led by 14 points from senior guard Cartaesha Macklin, but the team couldn’t overcome 26 points from Loyola junior guard Taylor Johnson.

Without Pierre for roughly half of the game, SIU struggled to contain junior forward Taylor Manuel, who finished with 21 points, and the Dawgs couldn’t keep the ball out of the paint, getting outscored 52-18 down low. 

The Salukis turned the ball over 17 times and allowed 21 points off those turnovers.

In the first quarter, SIU had a four-point lead after a 3-pointer from junior guard Rishonda Napier. Loyola would tie the game and eventually go ahead for good after a 3-pointer from Ramblers’ freshman guard Grace Goodhardt.

The Salukis head to Bradley to take on the Braves at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ted Ward can be reached at [email protected] or 618-534-3303

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