BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Kimmie Hicks poured in a game-high 19 points and Lex Therien added 17 as Loyola University Maryland closed strong but came up just short in a 63-62 loss to Lehigh University on Tuesday night at Stabler Arena.
With 10 rebounds tonight, Lex Therien tied the Patriot League record for career rebounds with 1,197.
The Greyhounds (9-13, 5-6 Patriot League) erased a double-digit third-quarter deficit with a fourth-quarter push, outscoring the Mountain Hawks 21-15 over the fourth quarter, to force a close game.
Hicks was steady at the line, going 13 of 14 on free throws, while Therien was efficient from the floor, finishing 8 of 14 while grabbing 10 rebounds for a double-double. Loyola controlled the paint (28-18), second-chance points (11-7), and the rebound battle (30-22).
After trailing 48-41 entering the fourth, Loyola chipped away from the Lehigh lead, as they forced four Mountain Hawk Lehigh (11-10 overall, 7-4 Patriot League) turnovers in the quarter. Loyola also shot 10-14 from the foul line in the fourth quarter.
Amandine Amorich hit a three-pointer with 2:20 remaining in the fourth to trim the Loyola lead to 62-58. After a Lehigh miss, Lex Therien grabbed a offensive rebound, as Kimmie Hicks was fouled and made the ensuing pair of free throws to trim the deficit to two points.
On the ensuing possession, Loyola forced a turnover, followed by Therien forcing a foul, as she made one of two to trail 62-61 with 1:12 remaining.
After another Lehigh turnover, Amorich drew another foul, as she made one of two from the foul line to tie the game with 20 seconds remaining.
On Lehigh's ensuing possession, they drew a foul with 8 seconds remaining, as they made one of two from the line. Loyola's Olivia Shaughnessy had a last second shot go up, but could not sink it, as Lehigh held on for the 63-62 win.
Gabby Betton scored seven points, while Amorich added five points off the bench for Loyola.
Whitney Lind led with 17 points for Lehigh, while Lily Fandre added 14 points and five rebounds.
Loyola returns home on Saturday, as they will host Boston at 2:30 PM for our annual Play4Kay game.
