BALTIMORE — Loyola University Maryland closed out the game with a 13-3 rally in the last 1:29 of the game, but fell short to visiting Army West Point, as the Black Knights held on for a 71-66 victory Wednesday night at Reitz Arena.

The Greyhounds erased a 19-point second-quarter deficit and outscored Army 28-23 in the fourth quarter, forcing six fourth quarter turnovers, as Loyola cut their deficit down to single digits. 

Both teams traded baskets throughout most of the fourth quarter, as Army held Loyola to a double-digit deficit throughout the quarter. With 1:29 left in the fourth, Amandine Amorich drew a foul, and hit both of the ensuing free throws to trim the deficit to 68-55. 

Coming out of a timeout, Loyola forced a Army turnover, as Amorich hit a three-pointer on the next Greyhounds possession to cut the deficit to ten points. Loyola then forced another turnover on the next possession, as Therien grabbed the missed shot, but was fouled, as she made both free throws. 

After Army went 1-2 from the line, Amorich followed it up with a strong drive to the basket, as she finishes through contact for the three-point play. Army once again went 1-2 from the foul line, as Lex Therien had her own three-point play on the ensuing Loyola possession, as they Greyhounds trailed 70-66 with 8 seconds remaining. Army would make 1-2 from the foul line, as they would hold on to the 71-66 win. 

Lex Therien led Loyola with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season. Koi Sims added 15 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season, while Amandine Amorich chipped in 13 points.

Loyola trailed 35-20 at the break after a cold-shooting second quarter, but the Greyhounds found their rhythm in the third. A 12-2 run midway through the period trimmed the deficit to single digits, and Loyola carried that momentum into the fourth behind improved ball movement and defensive pressure.

Gabby Betton and Olivia Shaughnessy provided a boost off of the bench, providing strong defensive support helping Loyola trim their deficit to single-digits. 

Camryn Tade paced Army with 26 points, while Reese Ericson added 12. Kya Smith was held to three points, but added 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Army improved to 11-3 overall and 2-1 in league action.

Loyola (5-9, 1-2 Patriot League) will look to bounce back on Saturday, as they will host Bucknell at Reitz Arena.