CHICAGO (Interstat) — Julia Coleman recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Illinois-Chicago Flames to a 68-54 victory over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Saturday afternoon at UIC Pavilion.

The Flames never trailed, establishing control early and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the contest before an announced crowd of 495. Illinois-Chicago improved its season record to 2-3, while Loyola Chicago dropped to 1-5.

Coleman, a 6-foot sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri, was a force on both ends of the court, adding an assist and a block in 24 minutes of action. Her presence in the paint helped the Flames build an early advantage and withstand a late push from the Ramblers.

Despite the loss, Loyola Chicago was powered by a game-high 22 points from Alex-Anne Bessette. The 6-foot-2 senior from Quebec City, Canada, fought to keep her team in the game, adding four rebounds and two assists.

Illinois-Chicago set the tone from the opening tip, starting the game on a 10-2 run. They closed the first quarter with a Sara Zabrecky 3-pointer to take a 17-10 lead. The Flames continued to build their advantage in the second period, extending the margin to 33-19 by halftime.

Loyola Chicago showed signs of life after the break, outscoring the Flames 15-12 in the third quarter to narrow the gap. The Ramblers continued to battle in the final period, cutting the deficit to as few as eight points, but could not complete the comeback.

The Flames’ backcourt provided crucial support for Coleman. Jessica Carrothers, a 5-foot-7 guard from Highland, Indiana, finished with 12 points and a game-high six assists. Zabrecky, a 5-foot-9 guard from Munster, Indiana, also chipped in 12 points.

For the Ramblers, Brooklyn Vaughn of Maumee, Ohio, nearly notched a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds. Kendall Hendrix from West Bloomfield, Michigan, contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Illinois-Chicago capitalized on Loyola Chicago’s mistakes, scoring 18 points off turnovers compared to the Ramblers’ 14. However, Loyola Chicago found more success inside, outscoring the Flames 34-24 in the paint.

The game was part of the Missouri Valley Conference schedule for both teams.

Illinois-Chicago travels to face Ball State on Monday. Loyola Chicago’s next contest is on the road against DePaul on Wednesday.