BALTIMORE — Loyola University Maryland erased a double-digit deficit and pushed Yale to overtime Tuesday night, but the Greyhounds' comeback bid came up just short in a 71-67 loss at Reitz Arena.
Amandine Amorich scored as the clock expired in the fourth quarter to send the Greyhounds to overtime.
Loyola trailed by 12 points early in the second half before mounting a furious rally. The Greyhounds outscored Yale 20-15 in the third quarter and carried that momentum into the fourth.
Yale held a 49-44 advantage entering the final period, but Loyola continued to pressure the Bulldogs. The Greyhounds outscored Yale 19-14 in the fourth, turning the game into a one-possession battle before Amandine Amorich scored as the clock expired in the fourth quarter to send the Greyhounds to overtime.
Yale ultimately prevailed in overtime. Both teams traded baskets over the first four minutes of the overtime period, as a Avery Simmons layup cut the deficit to one point with 1:06 remaining. After a stop on defense, the Greyhounds had a chance to take the lead, but could not hit the go ahead basket. After Yale hit a pair of free throws, the Greyhounds had one last chance to tie it up, but their three fell short, as Yale held on for the win.
The Greyhounds finished with a 30-22 advantage in points in the paint and scored nine fast-break points. They also received 29 points from their bench, compared with 16 for Yale.
The Greyhounds were led by a balanced offensive effort. Takeira Ramey and Aiden Langley each scored 10 points, while Debra Wilson-Osuide also scored 10 points off the bench. Avery Simmons added nine points off the bench, while Tyler Edwards and Sydney Bass both had eight.
Ramey also made an impact beyond her scoring, finishing with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Yale opened the game with a 17-13 lead and extended its advantage to 34-24 by halftime. The Bulldogs eventually built their largest lead at 36-24 early in the third quarter before Loyola began its comeback.
The Greyhounds answered with their best stretch of the night. Loyola scored 20 points in the third quarter, cutting into Yale's lead and setting up a dramatic fourth quarter. After trailing for the entire regulation period, Loyola's defense and offensive pressure kept the Bulldogs within reach.
Loyola fell to 1-2 despite the spirited comeback, as they will host Towson on Friday morning.
