BALTIMORE — Loyola University Maryland put together a late surge behind Lex Therien's steady 22-point night and a strong fourth quarter push, but the Greyhounds couldn't erase an early deficit in a 71–59 loss to La Salle on Thursday night at Reitz Arena.

Therien powered Loyola with 22 points, nine rebounds, and four steals to keep the Greyhounds within reach.

Loyola trailed by as many as 17 in the third quarter, but responded with a 25-point fourth period, fueled by seven forced turnovers in the quarter.

Koi Sims battled on the glass throughout, finishing with eight rebounds, while Amandine Amorich and Avery Simmons chipped in ten and nine points, respectively, off the bench. 

La Salle was led by Aryss Macktoon, who scored a game-high 25 points. Ashleigh Connor added 20 points and Kiara Williams chipped in 15 for the Explorers.

After trailing 48–34 entering the fourth quarter, Loyola opened the final period with a 9–2 run highlighted by a corner three from Kimmie Hicks and back-to-back strong takes from Therien. The Greyhounds cut the deficit to single digits, but La Salle responded each time to stay in front.

A pair of free throws from Cristina Garcia cut the deficit back to nine points with 1:29 remaining in the game, but Loyola could not complete the comeback. 

Loyola (0–2) returns to action on Sunday, as the Greyhounds will travel to Blacksburg, Virginia, to take on Virginia Tech.