Box Score A second-straight double-double from Megan Worry and 17 from Kaila Anthony propel the Wolf Pack over the Crusaders
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Holding on through a close fourth quarter, the Loyola University New Orleans women's basketball team picked up a 72-69 victory at William Carey Monday night at the Clinton Gymnasium.
Already establishing themselves as one of the best defensive units in the country, the Wolf Pack (21-5, 15-2) opened up the game with a pair of blocks by Megan Worry, with five quick points from Paige Franckiewicz giving them an early lead. After Loyola stepped out in front 11-2 with four minutes remaining in the quarter, the Crusaders (9-12, 8-9) scored eight of their own. The Pack would hold a six-point advantage after the first 10 minutes of play, up 16-10.
A layup from Kennedy Hansberry followed by an and-one score from Tay Cannon gave the Pack 21 points, but the home team would get within three, 28-25 moments later. Quick scores from Worry and Kaila Anthony as the half neared its end gave Loyola a 36-25 advantage, with the score sitting at 40-27 at the buzzer for halftime.
The two teams came out swinging in the third quarter, with Carey sinking a three pointer before Worry responded with two for Loyola. While a pair of free throws from Worry would give the Pack their largest lead of the game at 15 midway through the period, the home team inched back to make it a 55-45 game as the two teams got ready for the final quarter.
A quick run from the Crusaders was halted by a layup from An'Jolique Woodson and three from Franckiewicz to put Loyola back out by 11, but Carey would not go away easily. After making it a six-point contest with about six minutes left to play, the home team would get within three at 35 seconds on the clock. Two free throws from Anthony to close out the contest would keep the Pack out in front, as they held on for their 10th consecutive victory, and 17th win in their last 18 games.
Loyola returns home this week for their final two home games of the season, beginning with a big matchup against Bethel on Thursday, February 14 at 5:30 p.m. for homecoming.
Pack Facts
Loyola has not lost to William Carey since 2011 and have now won 17 straight against the Crusaders.
Megan Worry tallied her third double-double in the past five games, and now has 12 on the season after scoring 14 points with 12 rebounds tonight.
The senior added three blocks on the night and has 52 on the year, breaking her tie with Meghan Temple for the most blocks in a single season at Loyola.
The Pack's leading scorer on the year, Kaila Anthony dropped 17 tonight and now averages 14.8 per game.
Now with a team-best 59 made threes on the year, Paige Franckiewicz has sunk two or more in a game 17 times this season.
You can keep up with the Pack this season by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.
