HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant start and a desperate finish, the Loyola Maryland women’s basketball team survived a furious fourth-quarter rally by Colgate to escape with a 49-47 victory in a Patriot League contest Wednesday afternoon at Cotterell Court.

The visiting Greyhounds, who led by as many as 15 points in the first half and took a 10-point advantage into the final period, saw their lead evaporate completely before making the decisive plays in the final minute to snap a two-game skid and improve to 7-9 overall. Colgate, which mounted an 18-10 fourth-quarter charge, fell to 5-11.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final 15 seconds with the score tied at 47. Loyola Maryland’s Lex Therien was fouled and went to the line for two shots. She missed the first but calmly sank the second to put the Greyhounds ahead by one with 14 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing possession, Colgate’s Madison Schiller, who led all scorers with 11 points and added five assists, drove into the lane but had her pass intercepted by Loyola Maryland’s Olivia Shaughnessy near the top of the key. Shaughnessy then raced the length of the floor and converted a contested layup with seven seconds left to extend the lead to three.

Colgate, out of timeouts, could not get a clean look at a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

The dramatic finish contrasted sharply with the game’s opening. Loyola Maryland established control immediately, opening the game on a 15-2 run. The Greyhounds’ defense smothered Colgate, holding the Raiders to just two field goals in the first quarter and building a 27-17 lead by halftime. Loyola Maryland’s interior presence was key, outscoring Colgate 24-16 in the paint.

Amandine Amorich, a junior from Montpellier, France, paced Loyola Maryland with 12 points. Koi Sims added 10 points, and Therien finished with nine points and a game-high nine rebounds.

Colgate’s comeback was fueled by improved shooting and defensive pressure. After shooting just 20 percent in the first quarter, the Raiders found their rhythm late. A three-pointer by Schiller with 46 seconds left capped a 13-4 run and finally tied the game at 47, setting the stage for the frantic finale.

Lara Cook provided a spark off the bench for Colgate with nine points, all from beyond the arc. Grace Klag contributed eight points and seven rebounds.

The victory gives Loyola Maryland its second consecutive win in Patriot League play following a victory over Bucknell last Saturday. Colgate, which entered the game as a significant favorite according to advanced statistical metrics, has now lost three straight conference games.

Loyola Maryland continues its road trip at Boston University on Saturday. Colgate will look to rebound at Bucknell, also on Saturday.

An announced crowd of 1,400 attended the game.