BALTIMORE (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant start and a frantic finish, the Army women’s basketball team held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by Loyola Maryland to secure a 71-66 victory in a Patriot League contest Wednesday night at Reitz Arena.

The Black Knights, who led by as many as 19 points, saw their advantage whittled down to a single possession in the final minute before closing the game at the free-throw line to improve to 11-3 overall. The Greyhounds fell to 5-9 despite outscoring Army 28-23 in a desperate final period.

The most critical phase of the game was its opening act. Army established immediate control, racing to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter and then clamping down defensively in the second. The Black Knights held Loyola Maryland to just eight points in that period, the lowest quarter output for either team, to take a 35-20 lead into halftime. That 15-point cushion, built on defensive pressure and efficient early offense, proved vital as a reservoir to withstand the Greyhounds’ late surge.

Army’s offense was spearheaded by guard Camryn Tade, who scored a game-high 26 points. The sophomore from Southlake, Texas, was instrumental throughout, hitting key shots during Army’s early runs and then helping to steady her team late. She added a block and a steal in 28 minutes of action. She was supported by Reese Ericson, who contributed 12 points, and Reganne Reardon, who added 10 points off the bench.

Loyola Maryland’s comeback attempt was fueled by its interior play. Lex Therien scored 18 points and grabbed multiple offensive rebounds, while Koi Sims added 15 points, two blocks, and relentless activity on both ends. Amandine Amorich provided a crucial spark off the bench with 13 points, including a 3-pointer that cut Army’s lead to 58-55 with just over a minute to play.

The Greyhounds dominated the paint, outscoring Army 34-24, and capitalized on Army’s 13 turnovers for 16 points. However, Army countered with superior perimeter shooting and composure at the foul line. The Black Knights hit eight 3-pointers to Loyola Maryland’s four and made 19 of 24 free throws, compared to 20 of 27 for the home team.

After Amorich’s 3-pointer brought Loyola within three, the Greyhounds were forced to foul. Tade, despite missing the front end of a one-and-one moments earlier, sank two critical free throws with 4.4 seconds remaining to extend the lead to five and effectively seal the outcome. The final sequence underscored a game where Army’s early work provided just enough margin for error.

Statistically, the game was a matchup of defensive efficiency. Army scored 71 points on 72 possessions for an offensive rating of 98.1, while Loyola Maryland managed 66 points on 70 possessions for a rating of 94.5. Both teams struggled from the field, with Army shooting 39.3% and Loyola Maryland 38.2%. The difference came at the 3-point line and in the turnover battle, where Army’s seven steals helped generate 13 points.

The win keeps Army near the top of the Patriot League standings as it prepares to host Boston University on Saturday. Loyola Maryland, still seeking consistency, will look to rebound at home against Bucknell on the same day.