The women’s basketball team upset the reigning Patriot League champion, the Bucknell Bison at Reitz Arena on Saturday by the score of 60-50. All five Greyhound starters scored in double figures, ending a six-game home losing streak against Bucknell and handing them their first conference loss of the season. 

A packed house for Women in Sports Day cheered Loyola on from start to finish, as the home team led for the entire game. Alexis Gray ’20 led her team with 16 points, while Stephanie Karcz ’20 finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. 

Hannah Niles ‘20, Laryn Edwards ‘22, and Delaney Connolly school year?also scored in double figures with 11, 11, and 10 points respectively. 

The Greyhounds pushed the tempo from the start, jumping out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter while forcing five turnovers. The game slowed down significantly in the second quarter, as Bucknell outscored Loyola 9-6.

Loyola managed to maintain a lead for most of the third quarter, but Bucknell trimmed it down to 41-36. A quick run early in the fourth quarter put the Bison one possession away at 46-43, but Niles hit a clutch three-pointer with 3:17 to go to regain a two-possession lead.

The Hounds would keep their lead with nearly flawless free-throw shooting, as they went 6-6 in the final three minutes and 15-16 overall. 

Now 4-4 at home on the season, Loyola will look to stay above .500 at Reitz Arena when they host Boston University this Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.

Featured Image Courtesy of Loyola Athletics.