Box Score Wascom sinks six three-pointers while Worry scores 18 and grabs a career-high 17 rebounds against the Knights
COCHRAN, Ga. – Highlighted by a dominating third quarter, the Loyola University New Orleans women's basketball team defeated Middle Georgia State 82-70 Saturday afternoon in the Morris Gym.
The first quarter was tightly contested, as each team traded scores and reached a 6-6 tie with seven minutes left on the clock. After a free throw from Kennedy Hansberry put Loyola (20-5, 14-2 SSAC) up one, the Wolf Pack would remain in control, holding the lead for the remainder of the evening. The Pack would go out in front by six on a three from Kaila Anthony, however, the Knights (7-15, 3-12 SSAC) would get it within one by the first buzzer, cutting Loyola's lead to 22-21 heading into the second quarter.
A three from Presley Wascom, one of her six makes from beyond the arc, opened the quarter, with Megan Worry connecting on one from deep as well moments later to put Loyola out in front 29-21. A layup from Breyah Richardson made it a 35-24 game with just under four left to play, but the home team added five more before halftime to the Pack's one, setting the score at 36-29 at the intermission.
The opening of the third quarter remained close, as the Knights got within two, 37-35 just over a minute in, and later to five, 45-40 on a layup with four minutes on the clock. For the final minutes of the third period however, it was all Loyola, as a 15-2 run began with free throws from Worry and another make from deep by Wascom. A three from Paige Franckiewicz and five-straight from Worry kept the rally going, as a pair of free throws from Hansberry set the score at 60-42 entering the fourth quarter.
While the home team would outscore the Pack in the final frame, it wasn't nearly enough to catch up to the advantage Loyola had built, as Kellie Kennedy's squad won their 20th game of the year, her sixth consecutive season with 20 or more victories.
Loyola will head back out on the road on Monday, as they head to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on William Carey on February 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Pack Facts
Loyola remains undefeated against the Knights, owning a 9-0 record in the all-time series.
The Wolf Pack entered today's game ranked fourth in the NAIA in defensive field goal percentage at 33.2, and held the Knights to 28.9% from the floor today.
Megan Worry blocked two shots today, tying Meghan Temple for the program record for blocks in a single season with 49.
The senior also recorded her SSAC-leading 11th double-double, scoring 18 while setting a career-mark for rebounds with 17.
Presley Wascom dropped a career-best 22 points tonight, connecting on six shots from three, also a career mark.
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.
