Baltimore -- Loyola University Maryland battled with the Naval Academy on Saturday afternoon, riding the lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Midshipmen used a 11-4 run midway through the fourth to pull away with the 68-62 win.

The Greyhounds (9–12 overall, 5–5 Patriot League) controlled long stretches of the game, while leading for more than 19 minutes and outscored the Midshipmen 36–28 in the paint. Loyola's frontcourt duo of Koi Sims and Lex Therien set the tone, combining for 33 points and 17 rebounds on the afternoon.

Sims tied a career-high with18 points on 7‑of‑13 shooting, to go along with eight rebounds and two assists. Therien added 15 points and nine boards.

Loyola shot 54% in the first half and continued their momentum to begin the second half, as they opened the second half on a 10-0 run to pull out to a 40-33 lead. Navy would respond by outscoring Loyola 9-5 over the remainder of the third quarter, as the Greyhounds led 49-46 entering the fourth. 

Early in the fourth, both teams would trade baskets early, as Loyola maintained their lead. After a Therien made basket, Navy (14–6 overall, 9–1 Patriot League) would go on a 11-4 run over the next four minutes, as they jumped out to a 61-57 lead with 2:37 remaining. 

After made free throws from Koi Sims and Sydney Bass, the Greyhounds cut their deficit down to one point, trailing 61-60 with 54 seconds remaining. Navy's Zoe Mesuch would scored on the ensuing possession, as Kimmie Hicks' game-tying three-point attempt fell short on the next Loyola possession. Navy would close out the game from the foul line in the win. 

Navy was led by Julianna Almeida who finished with 19 point. Mesuch added 15 points, while Quinn Boettinger added 12 points. Loyola held Zanai Barnett-Gay to just 11 points, her third lowest total of the season, as she fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter. 

Loyola out-rebounded Navy 32-30, including holding a 10-7 edge on offensive rebounds. Loyola also held the edge in points in the paint, with a 36-28 edge. 

The Greyhounds will hit the road next week for a mid-week matchup against Lehigh on Wednesdady evening.