EASTON, Pa. – Loyola University Maryland turned in its best offensive performance of the season on Wednesday night, but Lafayette's Natalie Kucowski totaled 36 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks to lead the Leopards to a 76-69 home victory.

Isabella Therien (16 points, nine rebounds) just missed out on a double-double for the Greyhounds, who had four players finish in double figures for the first time this winter. Emily McAteer added 15 points, Devyne Newman had 14 and Taleah Dixon scored 11 for Loyola.

Kucowski, the Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year, surpassed her previous career-high of 29 points while hitting 15 of 25 shots from the field. As a team, Lafayette (2-5 PL, 0-4 CEN) shot 56.6% (30-53) from the field and 50.0% (6-12) from 3-point range.

Both teams were hot from the floor in the opening quarter, as the Leopards hit 10 of 15 field goal attempts while Loyola shot 57.1% (4-7) from long distance. It was ultimately a 24-20 lead for Lafayette after 10 minutes, with Dixon scoring eight of her 11 points in the opening frame.

The score remained tight heading into the intermission, with Lafayette ahead 40-37 at the break. A pair of Therien free throws reduced the deficit to 45-44 midway through the third, but the Leopards then went on a decisive 12-2 run to jump in front by double digits. Loyola could get no closer than six points in the fourth quarter.

Therien's 16 points were her most since she netted 21 in her final appearance of the 2018-19 regular season against Lehigh on Jan. 30, and her nine rebounds were also a new season high.

With her 15 points, McAteer reached double figures for a fifth time in six games on the year. She hit 6 of 11 shots from the floor and 3 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. 

Newman's 14 points were two off her career-high of 16, which was established in the season opener at Bucknell. She was 7 of 13 from the field overall.

Loyola outrebounded its opponent for the first time this season, finishing with a 33-28 edge on the glass. Therien's nine boards led the way, while McAteer and Dixon each grabbed six rebounds.

The Greyhounds are back in action this weekend with a pair of games against Navy, hosting the Mids at 1 p.m. on Saturday and traveling to Annapolis for a 3 p.m. tip-off the following afternoon.