PHILADELPHIA -- Loyola University Maryland set the tone early, taking a early lead in the first quarter, but a second half Drexel surge spoiled a strong road effort as the Greyhounds fell 66-57 on Sunday at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.

Loyola (0–5) used an explosive first quarter to take control early, shooting 73 percent from the field and knocking down all four of its 3-point attempts to take a 20–15 lead after 10 minutes of play. The Greyhounds' balance and early defensive pressure carried them to an 11-point advantage midway through the second quarter, their largest of the day.

Graduate forward Lex Therien anchored Loyola's effort with a team-high 17 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and a block. Junior guard Amandine Amorich provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points, including three three-pointers, along with two assists and two steals. Kailey Kalet added eight points, hitting a pair of early threes that fueled Loyola's opening burst.

The Greyhounds' ball movement and efficiency on offense kept the game close throughout, as Loyola shot 51.1 percent from the field, including 46.2 percent from three-point range on the afternoon. They also assisted on 18 of 24 made baskets in the game.

Drexel (4–0), however, relied on timely shooting from its backcourt to withstand Loyola's early punches. The Dragons closed the second quarter on a 12–0 run to edge ahead 30–29 at halftime. Guard Amaris Baker powered a decisive second-half push, finishing with a game-high 20 points, with 14 coming in the second half.

Loyola continued to battle, pulling within five points with 5:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Drexel answered with back-to-back baskets to pull back ahead, as Loyola could not complete the fourth quarter rally, falling 66-57.

Koi Sims added six points, while adding a career-best five assists and four steals for Loyola.

Loyola returns home on Thursday, as they will host local foe Mount St. Mary's at Reitz Arena at 7:00 PM.