CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — Loyola Maryland used a strong second half to edge Maryland-Baltimore County 60-57 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday night at Retriever Activities Center. The Greyhounds trailed by 11 at halftime but outscored the Retrievers 41-27 after the break, including a 24-point fourth quarter. Jade Tillman led UMBC with 15 points. Kimmie Hicks scored 14 for Loyola, and Lex Therien added 13. Loyola Maryland improved to 3-7. UMBC fell to 4-6. Attendance was 710.

CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings and a frantic final minute, the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds erased a 14-point first-half deficit to edge the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers 60-57 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Retriever Activities Center. The victory, secured by clutch free-throw shooting and a key defensive stand in the final seconds, improved Loyola Maryland to 3-7 on the season, while UMBC fell to 4-6. The Retrievers, projected as heavy favorites by advanced metrics, dominated the opening quarter, racing to a 20-13 lead behind an efficient offensive start. They extended that advantage to 30-16 in the second quarter, capitalizing on a stagnant Loyola offense that managed just six points in the period. The Greyhounds shot poorly from the field in the first half and struggled to contain UMBC’s Jade Tillman, who led all scorers with 15 points. The complexion of the game shifted decisively after halftime. Loyola Maryland emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, outscoring UMBC 17-15 in the third quarter to trim the deficit to single digits. The comeback was fueled by a more aggressive defensive posture and key contributions from the bench. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the visiting Greyhounds. They unleashed a 24-point final frame, their highest-scoring quarter of the season, while clamping down defensively to hold UMBC to 12 points. The rally was a collective effort, with several players hitting critical shots. Amandine Amorich of Montpellier, France, scored nine points, while Kimmie Hicks of Annapolis, Maryland, provided a crucial spark with 14 points off the bench, including several pressure free throws down the stretch. The most important sequence of the game occurred in the final minute with Loyola clinging to a narrow lead. After UMBC’s Kennedy Austin made a layup to cut the Loyola lead to 57-55 with one second remaining, the Retrievers were forced to foul. Hicks, a 5-foot-9 guard, stepped to the line and calmly sank two free throws with nine-tenths of a second left to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the victory. UMBC’s desperation heave at the buzzer was unsuccessful. Tillman finished with a game-high 15 points for UMBC. Alaina Williams added seven points and a team-high 26 minutes for the Retrievers. For Loyola, Lex Therien of Marlton, New Jersey, contributed 13 points, and Whitley Watkins of Pasadena, Maryland, provided a strong interior presence with six points, two blocks, and key rebounds in 16 minutes. The game was a tale of two halves, with UMBC’s early dominance undone by Loyola’s persistent defensive pressure and superior execution in the final quarter. The Greyhounds overcame a poor shooting performance by forcing turnovers and winning the battle at the free-throw line when it mattered most. Loyola Maryland will look to build on this comeback victory when they host Morgan State on Dec. 21. UMBC will aim to rebound on the same day with a road game at American University. Attendance at the Retriever Activities Center was 710.

Preview: Loyola Maryland Greyhounds at Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — Regional foes Loyola Maryland and Maryland-Baltimore County will meet in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Retriever Activities Center. The Retrievers (4-5) enter with modest momentum after a 66-48 road win at Morgan State on Saturday. Jade Tillman led the way with 19 points and six rebounds, continuing a strong stretch for the junior. Over her last three games, Tillman is averaging 12.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. UMBC has shown resilience at home this season, with notable wins over Presbyterian and a season-opening rout of Stevenson. The visiting Greyhounds (2-7) snapped a five-game skid with a dramatic 64-63 overtime victory at Towson on Dec. 4. Sophomore standout Lex Therien fueled the win, posting 26 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Therien has been a consistent force for Loyola, averaging 19.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Her matchup with UMBC’s Tillman in the frontcourt will be a focal point. Despite their record, the Greyhounds have been competitive, with three of their seven losses coming by single digits. Forward Koi Sims provides additional rebounding support, grabbing 14 boards in the win over Towson. This game serves as a final tune-up before both teams break for the holidays. UMBC will travel to American on Dec. 21, while Loyola Maryland will host Morgan State the same day. Tuesday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST.