Washington –
Lily Bottomley blocked a shot and drew a foul with three seconds remaining for the Loyola University Maryland women's basketball team on Wednesday night, as the Greyhounds held on to beat American University 59-55, to give the Eagles their first Patriot League loss of the season.
The Eagles (6-10 overall, 4-1 Patriot League) scored with 2:25 remaining in the fourth to take a two-point lead.
Lex Therien responded for the Greyhounds (7-9 overall, 2-3 Patriot League) by scoring on a layup to tie the game at 53-53 with 1:06 remaining. Therien then stole a pass and took it for a layup to take a two-point lead.
On the ensuing American possession, Loyola forced a missed shot, followed by a foul on the Eagles. After making one of two free throws, the Eagles responded with a pair of free throws to cut their deficit back to one point.
Coming out of a timeout, the Greyhounds turned the ball over, but
Lily Bottomley came up with a big steal, as the Eagles had to foul. The Greyhounds made one of two free throws, and on the Eagles ensuing possession, Bottomley came up with another big defensive play, coming up with a block, to secure the Loyola win.
The third quarter saw both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, as they both traded three point leads late in the quarter. Loyola managed to tie the game at the buzzer, thanks to
Kimmie Hicks, as teams were tied 38-38 going into the fourth quarter.
The Greyhounds started the game strong, opening to a 10-0 lead. They ended the first quarter holding the Eagles to a season-low five points in the quarter on 0-12 shooting.
Lex Therien recorded her 10th double-double of the season, finishing with a team-high 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Lily Bottomley had a career-best 10 points and 8 rebounds in the game, to go along with 4 blocks on the night.
Cristina Garcia had a career-high six assists on the night, and
Kimmie Hicks added 8 points off the bench in her first game back after missing the last three games.
The Eagles were led by Ivy Bales and Emily Johns who had 26 and 20 points respectively on the night.
The Greyhounds will be back at home on Saturday, as they will host Holy Cross at 3:00 PM.
