WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a game defined by a suffocating second-quarter defensive stand, the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds overcame a slow start to defeat the American Eagles 63-53 in a Patriot League women’s basketball contest Wednesday night at Bender Arena.

The visiting Greyhounds, who trailed by five after a first quarter dominated by American’s Molly Driscoll, seized control by holding the Eagles to a mere four points in the second period. That defensive clampdown, which included multiple blocks from Sydney Bass and Koi Sims, ignited a decisive 15-4 run that flipped a 19-14 deficit into a 29-23 halftime lead for Loyola Maryland.

American’s offense, which looked fluid early, completely stalled. The Eagles shot 1 of 11 from the field in the quarter and committed five turnovers, allowing Loyola to methodically build an advantage despite its own offensive struggles.

The Eagles, led by a game-high 20 points from Driscoll, a 5-foot-8 guard from Allentown, Pennsylvania, surged back in the third quarter. They erupted for 22 points, briefly reclaiming the lead at 44-41 after a Driscoll 3-pointer with 1:42 remaining in the period. The quarter featured 10 lead changes and two ties as American’s Anna Rescifina of Messina, Italy, scored nine of her total nine points in the frame.

However, the Greyhounds responded with their most complete quarter of the game to seal the victory. Loyola Maryland exploded for 24 points in the final period, shooting 50% from the field while holding American to just eight points on 2-of-12 shooting. A 13-2 run over a five-minute span, powered by interior scoring from Lex Therien and transition baskets created by turnovers, stretched a narrow 47-45 lead to 60-47 with just over two minutes to play, effectively ending the contest.

Therien, a 6-1 forward from Marlton, New Jersey, led Loyola with 16 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes. Koi Sims, a 6-0 forward from Glen Burnie, Maryland, added 14 points and a key block, while Kimmie Hicks of Annapolis, Maryland, contributed 11 points. The Greyhounds’ backcourt of Olivia Shaughnessy and Cristina Garcia combined for 11 points and six assists, with Garcia’s four assists directing the offense in crucial stretches.

For American, Driscoll’s 20-point effort included four 3-pointers. Madisyn Moore-Nicholson of Odenton, Maryland, supported with 11 points, but the Eagles could not sustain their early momentum or their third-quarter push, hampered by 18 total turnovers.

The victory improved Loyola Maryland to 9-11 overall and 5-4 in the Patriot League, while American fell to 5-15 and 3-6. The Greyhounds have now won five of their last seven games. American has lost two straight.

The most critical phase of the game was undoubtedly the second quarter. After Driscoll’s hot start had given American a 19-14 lead and momentum, Loyola Maryland’s defense imposed its will. The Greyhounds switched effectively, protected the rim with Bass recording two of her three blocks in the period, and disrupted the Eagles’ offensive flow. This defensive effort generated stops that led to transition opportunities and allowed Loyola to set its half-court offense, culminating in the game-changing run that established a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the contest. While American’s third-quarter rally provided drama, it was the second-quarter stranglehold that established the foundation for Loyola’s road victory.

Loyola Maryland returns home to host Navy on Saturday. American travels to face Lafayette, also on Saturday.