Wednesday, January 29
Baltimore, Md.
7 p.m.
Bucknell University
11-9,6-3Patriot
54
at
49
Loyola (Md.)
7-13,1-8Patriot
1
2
3
4
F
Bucknell
7
9
23
15
54
Loyola Maryland
11
7
12
19
49
Photo by: Steven Schoenfelder
Bison Women Ride 23-Point Third Quarter to 54-49 Victory Over Loyola
1/29/2025 9:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BALTIMORE, Md.- The Bucknell Bison (11-9, 6-3 Patriot League) rode a 23-point third quarter to a 54-49 victory over the preseason league favorites Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds (7-13, 1-8 Patriot League) on Wednesday night. Bucknell more than doubled its first-half scoring output in the second stanza. The scoring frenzy proved decisive when the Greyhounds made a late 16-3 rally for late dramatics but the Bison generated several turnovers and hit enough free throws to prevent defeat. It marked Bucknell's third consecutive victory and the 11th straight win over Loyola.
"It is always tough down here, so give Loyola a ton of credit," said head coach Trevor Woodruff. "They are well-coached and play extremely hard. I thought our team overcame a really poor shooting performance, especially in the first half and at the foul line, but found a way to win. Now we move on to the next game."
Ashley Sofilkanich, the reigning Player of the Week for the Patriot League and USBWA, provided her customary 20+ point performance totaling 9 on 16 shooting plus three free throws.
Reese Zemitis supplied 14 points including several clutch free throws down the stretch. Sophia Sabino scored seven points, two of which came via crucial free throws.
The Bison were sluggish in the first half scoring only 16 points on a rough 5 of 26 shooting including 2 of 15 from beyond the arc. The third quarter changed the game's tenor. Bucknell hit 9 of 12 (75%) with both three-point attempts finding El Dorado and finished the second half hitting 13 of 23 from the field.
Bucknell completed the game with a 18 of 49 (36.7) effort. The Bison only hit five attempts on 19 tries but the makes came at a decent time. The Orange & Blue went 13 of 22 (59.1%) from the foul line.
The Bison held injury-plagued Loyola to 19 of 52 (36.5%) from the field. Koi Sims recorded a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The Orange & Blue held a seemingly commanding 48-33 lead on a Sabino jump shot with 5:30 remaining and Loyola in disarray. It would be Bucknell's final field point. The Greyhounds began to rally and steadily cut the lead down to double-digits and made it 48-44 on two Laura Salmeron free throws at the 1:51 mark.
Sophia Sabino appeared to be called for an offensive foul but a quick referee conference correctly reversed the call. Isabella King was fouled and sent to the line for two free throws. The senior made 1 of 2 and Loyola drained a three-pointer to move within two points (49-47).
The Greyhounds keyed on Sabino but the guard, who previously went 0 for 2 from the line, calmly drained both. Loyola again responded with a bucket. King was sent back to the line but the usually sharp free throw shooter missed both. Loyola had a chance down 51-49 to tie or take the lead but Bucknell forced a turnover. Reese Zemitis then made one of two free throws. Loyola committed a second straight turnover when Amorich dribbled the ball off her foot and out of bounds. Zemitis again went 50% at the line for a 53-49 advantage. Salmeron missed a three-pointer effectively ending the game. Tuana Coskun finished the game converting 1 of 2 free throws at the line.
The Bison trailed 18-16 at halftime as neither team could generate much offensive momentum. Bucknell had several open looks but the ball refused to fall into the basket. Loyola also had wide open opportunities that were not cashed in.
The Orange & Blue made halftime adjustments and came out firing overwhelming the Greyhounds and grabbing a lead they would never yield when Sofilkanich's layup made it 26-25. The sophomore forward tallied 11 points in the quarter.
Bucknell returns home to face Navy on Feb. 1. The Bison previously lost 49-47 at Navy. Both teams are tied at 6-3 for fourth place in the Patriot League standings.
"It is always tough down here, so give Loyola a ton of credit," said head coach Trevor Woodruff. "They are well-coached and play extremely hard. I thought our team overcame a really poor shooting performance, especially in the first half and at the foul line, but found a way to win. Now we move on to the next game."
Ashley Sofilkanich, the reigning Player of the Week for the Patriot League and USBWA, provided her customary 20+ point performance totaling 9 on 16 shooting plus three free throws.
Reese Zemitis supplied 14 points including several clutch free throws down the stretch. Sophia Sabino scored seven points, two of which came via crucial free throws.
The Bison were sluggish in the first half scoring only 16 points on a rough 5 of 26 shooting including 2 of 15 from beyond the arc. The third quarter changed the game's tenor. Bucknell hit 9 of 12 (75%) with both three-point attempts finding El Dorado and finished the second half hitting 13 of 23 from the field.
Bucknell completed the game with a 18 of 49 (36.7) effort. The Bison only hit five attempts on 19 tries but the makes came at a decent time. The Orange & Blue went 13 of 22 (59.1%) from the foul line.
The Bison held injury-plagued Loyola to 19 of 52 (36.5%) from the field. Koi Sims recorded a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The Orange & Blue held a seemingly commanding 48-33 lead on a Sabino jump shot with 5:30 remaining and Loyola in disarray. It would be Bucknell's final field point. The Greyhounds began to rally and steadily cut the lead down to double-digits and made it 48-44 on two Laura Salmeron free throws at the 1:51 mark.
Sophia Sabino appeared to be called for an offensive foul but a quick referee conference correctly reversed the call. Isabella King was fouled and sent to the line for two free throws. The senior made 1 of 2 and Loyola drained a three-pointer to move within two points (49-47).
The Greyhounds keyed on Sabino but the guard, who previously went 0 for 2 from the line, calmly drained both. Loyola again responded with a bucket. King was sent back to the line but the usually sharp free throw shooter missed both. Loyola had a chance down 51-49 to tie or take the lead but Bucknell forced a turnover. Reese Zemitis then made one of two free throws. Loyola committed a second straight turnover when Amorich dribbled the ball off her foot and out of bounds. Zemitis again went 50% at the line for a 53-49 advantage. Salmeron missed a three-pointer effectively ending the game. Tuana Coskun finished the game converting 1 of 2 free throws at the line.
The Bison trailed 18-16 at halftime as neither team could generate much offensive momentum. Bucknell had several open looks but the ball refused to fall into the basket. Loyola also had wide open opportunities that were not cashed in.
The Orange & Blue made halftime adjustments and came out firing overwhelming the Greyhounds and grabbing a lead they would never yield when Sofilkanich's layup made it 26-25. The sophomore forward tallied 11 points in the quarter.
Bucknell returns home to face Navy on Feb. 1. The Bison previously lost 49-47 at Navy. Both teams are tied at 6-3 for fourth place in the Patriot League standings.
Team Stats
Buck
Loyola
FG%
.367
.365
3FG%
.263
.250
FT%
.591
.583
RB
30
38
TO
12
16
STL
3
6
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
21
FGM
9
3FGM
0
FTM
3
Pts
14
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
6
Pts
7
FGM
2
3FGM
1
FTM
2
Pts
6
FGM
2
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Basketball
F/G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's BasketballG/F
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