Worcester, MA -- A furious second-half push tied the game against Holy Cross, but Loyola Maryland couldn't quite complete the comeback in a 49-40 Patriot League loss Saturday afternoon.

The Greyhounds, who trailed by as many as 14 in the first half and were down nine at the break, roared back after intermission. Loyola held Holy Cross to just four points in the third quarter while steadily chipping away, getting within three entering the final period and repeatedly threatening to swing the game.

Loyola closed within 30-27 by the end of the third, fueled by its defense and a more aggressive approach in the paint. The Greyhounds turned turnovers into transition chances and found life from their bench, which finished with 19 points.

Olivia Shaughnessy helped ignite the rally, scoring key baskets in the third quarter. Amandine Amroich led Loyola with 12 points, while Lex Therien added seven, and Gabby Betton provided a spark off the bench with seven points, including a key stretch in the second quarter that kept the Greyhounds within reach after the early deficit.

After a slow start in which shots simply would not fall, Loyola's defensive pressure began to wear on Holy Cross. The Crusaders went more than five minutes without a field goal in the third, and the Greyhounds capitalized, attacking the rim and earning second chances.

But just as Loyola had seized momentum, Holy Cross answered in the fourth. Meg Cahalan, who led all scorers with 20 points, knocked down timely shots and the Crusaders regained separation with a late run.

Loyola continued to battle, getting the margin down to three midway through the half, but could not get over the hump as Holy Cross converted at the foul line in the closing minutes.

The Greyhounds finished with a 22-18 edge in points in the paint and forced 18 turnovers, nearly erasing the early 16-5 hole.

Loyola will stay on the road next week, as they will travel to New York for a mid-week matchup against Army.