Washington, D.C — Loyola University Maryland used a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter, earning a 63-53 victory over American University on Wednesday evening. 

The Greyhounds (9-11 overall, 5-4 Patriot League) placed three players in double figures, led by Lex Therien who finshed with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Koi Sims added 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Kimmie Hicks had 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Freshman Olivia Shaughnessy and Sydney Bass both had big nights, as Shaughnessy had 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and a steal, while Sydney Bass had 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. 

After a fast start from American (5-15 overall, 3-6 Patriot League) in the first quarter, Loyola trailed briefly in the second quarter but responded with a 9-2 run midway through the second quarter. Koi Sims capped off the first half with a layup, as Loyola held a 25-23 advantage heading into halftime. 

The Eagles held the advantage in the third quarter, as they used a 12-3 run to close out the third quarter, as they led 45-39 entering the fourth. 

Loyola came out in the fourth quarter firing on all cylinders, as they opened the quarter on a 15-0 run to take a 54-46 lead. From there, Loyola did not look back, as they held American to 0-8 shooting from the floor in the fourth quarter, including forcing four turnovers, as they outscored American 24-8 in the fourth for the 63-53 win

Molly Driscoll led the Eagles with 20 points on the night, while Madisyn Moore-Nicholson added 11 points. 

Loyola held American to just 14-46 (30.4%) shooting from the floor and 6-22 (27.3%) shooting from three point range. The Greyhounds also won the rebounding battle 37-23 on the night. 

The Greyhounds finished the night shooting 28-55 (50.9%) from the field, as they tallied 14 assists on the night. Loyola also held the edge in offensive rebounds (9-3), while tallying 46 points in the paint in the win. 

The Greyhounds will return to Reitz on Saturday afternoon, as they host the Patriot League leading Navy Midshipmen at 4:00 PM.