CHICAGO, Ill. - Oakland fell to Loyola University Chicago 59-56, at Joseph J. Gentile Arena. The Golden Grizzlies recorded 10 blocks in the game, their most in a game this season, but the Ramblers capitalized on 24 turnovers to secure the win.

Oakland came out the gate on fire, starting 4-for-5 from the field and using an immediate 7-0 run to take an early 10-2 lead as Cali Denson nailed a three at the 9:14 mark. They maintained momentum with a balanced inside-outside attack, highlighted by Lianna Baxter's 3-pointer at 6:57, further extending their advantage. The Ramblers would respond late in the opening frame with a 6-0 stint to close the gap by the end of the quarter, as Oakland led 16-13.

The Golden Grizzlies dominated the boards all throughout the game, setting the tone in the first by outrebounding Loyola Chicago 16 to 5, including grabbing six offensive boards as well.
 

The second quarter saw a shift for Oakland as the Ramblers initiated a full-court press, forcing the Golden Grizzlies into eight turnovers in the quarter. After an early three by Jazzy Dupree-Hebert, Oakland went on a nearly four-minute scoring drought, while the Ramblers chipped away at the lead, eventually taking a 26-25 lead with 2:11 left in the half. Layla Gold would drain a pair of free throws to momentarily give the Golden Grizzlies the lead back, but the Ramblers would follow suit and take a 28-27 lead at halftime.
 

Despite leading for over 17 of the opening 20 minutes, the Golden Grizzlies trailed at the half, largely due to committing 15 turnovers that turned into 14 Loyola Chicago points. Where Oakland still thrived was on the glass, specifically the offensive boards as they snatched 10 offensive rebounds in the first half, leading to 10 second chance points.
 

Oakland's third quarter featured a critical moment when Denson tied the game at 32-32 with a three at 6:31, but the offense would go frigid for the Golden Grizzlies as they went just 3-of-9 from the field in the frame, trailing 45-40 at the end of the third. Oakland did convert from the free throw line, going 6-for-8 from the charity stripe to keep themselves within striking distance.
 

With one quarter left for a comeback, the Golden Grizzlies warmed up in the final quarter. Oakland mounted a determined effort, narrowing the gap with a series of critical plays. Angie Smith contributed significantly with key layups, including a basket at 6:07 that brought the score to 50-47. Luehring added a transition pullup jumper at 1:43, bringing Oakland within two points at 57-55, but the effort fell just short after a missed free throw by Denson left Oakland trailing and needing to foul with 10 seconds remaining, as the rally effort fell short.
 

Luehring led the team with 13 points (6-for-6 FT), marking her second-consecutive double-digit scoring performance, while also contributing four assists. Baxter was efficient, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and adding two steals. Smith added 10 points while blocking three shots and grabbing four rebounds. Gold provided defensive support with a season-high four blocks and collected seven rebounds.
 

Looking ahead, Oakland will face Illinois State University on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET The game will take place in Normal, Illinois.