Baltimore -- Laura Salmeron hit a step back three pointer with 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut St. Bonaventure University's lead to 51-49, but could not complete the late comeback, as the Bonnies went on to win 55-51 in a non-conference matchup in Retiz Arena.
Ava Therien knocked down a free throw with 7:58 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut the Bonnies (2-4 overall) lead down to 47-40 with 7:58 remaining. Therien's free throw started a 10-4 Greyhound run, led by Salmeron who had five of the ten points.
After the Greyhounds (3-2 overall) forced a St. Bonaventure stop, Salmeron went on to score on back-to-back possessions to cut their deficit down to two points. Loyola forced a turnover on the ensuing possession, as Salmeron and
Lex Therien both had a chance to tie the game, but could score the game-tying shot.
Over the final 15 seconds of the game, the Bonnies went 4-4 from the free throw line to close out the Greyhounds.
Cristina Garcia scored on a driving layup with 1:05 to go in the second quarter to give the Greyhounds a 30-25 lead. From there, the Bonnies went on a 22-9 run, that stretched from the 1:05 mark in the second quarter, to the end of the third quarter, to pull ahead of Loyola 45-39.
Laura Salmeron led the team with 13 points on the day, while
Lex Therien recorded her 37th career double double with 12 points and 18 rebounds. She also recorded a career-best 4 assists.
Cristina Garcia added 9 points off the bench for the Greyhounds.
Nadechka Laccen led St. Bonaventure with a game-high 17 points.
Loyola will be back in action on Wednesday, November 29 when they travel to face St. John's at 7:00 PM.
