Box Score Kamille Cooper earned a new career-high for rebounds, as the Wolf Pack returned to the court for the first time since since Dec. 17
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The No. 17 Loyola Wolf Pack began the new year with a road game at Faulkner University Thursday, dropping in the contest 69-66. The Eagles led by double-digits in the fourth quarter, but they had to hold on late from the surging Wolf Pack to beat Loyola in Montgomery, Alabama.
Loyola's record is now 8-3 overall and 2-1 in Southern States Athletic Conference play.
The Wolf Pack began the game with back-to-back 3-pointers from Kaila Anthony in the first two minutes, but Faulkner jumped out to a 12-8 lead halfway through the opening frame. Loyola used a 6-0 run by three different scorers (Anthony, Breyah Richardson and Taylor Thomas) to take another lead, but Faulkner finished the first with a 15-14 lead.
Loyola was able to tie the game at 20-20 halfway through the second quarter thanks to Anthony's third 3-pointer of the game. Then after a free throw gave Faulkner another lead, Kennedy Hansberry scored five straight points for the Wolf Pack. A 3-point shot with four and a half minutes to play and 2-point field goal a minute later pushed Loyola ahead 25-21.
The two teams traded baskets in the final minutes, but Loyola's Tay Cannon finished the first half with a 3 at the buzzer. That sent the Wolf Pack into the locker room with a 30-27 lead.
Loyola held its advantage through the first three minutes, but the Eagles quickly regained the lead and pushed ahead 43-36. Fualkner ended the third quarter leading 52-48.
Faulkner was up the entire fourth quarter to earn the win, but Loyola fought back from a 12-point deficit to get within one possession in the final minute. The Wolf Pack had a shot to tie the game with 15 seconds to go, but it was blocked.
The Wolf Pack continues their weekend road trip with a contest at Middle Georgia State Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Pack Facts
Kamille Cooper pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds, as her previous career-high was 13 set her freshman season. It's the fifth straight game with at least six rebounds for the junior and it's the third time this season she's had at least 10.
Presley Wascom's 16 points was a season-high for the junior.
Wascom also made three 3-pointers Thursday, marking the fourth game with at least that number in this season. She's made four in a game once this season as well.
Breyah Richardson had a season-high nine rebounds. Her career-high is 10 and she hit that mark her junior and sophomore seasons.
