Basketball Upsets #24 Loyola
The Brenau basketball team used a 16-3 run over the final four minutes of play to upset #24 Loyola (La.) University 85-78 in Southern States Athletic Conference play on Thursday in Gainesville.
After finding themselves down 44-34 at the half, the Golden Tigers offense found its rhythm as Briah Woods scored 11 of her career-high 26 points in the third quarter to cut the Wolfpack lead to 59-56.
In the fourth quarter, the offense continued as Kaelyn Irby notched eight of her 10 points in the period to help keep the score close, while Lia Thomas's offensive rebound and put back gave the Golden Tigers their first lead of the game, 79-78, with 1:50 remaining.
With 1:13 left, Jasmine Knight nailed a driving layup to make the score 81-78, then Knight found Autumn Dodson slashing to the basket for another layup on the ensuing possession to increase the lead to five with 24 seconds remaining. After Loyola's Meghan Temple missed on a post-up opportunity, Dodson knocked down two free throws to give the Golden Tigers their 14th win of the season.
"All the credit goes to my team," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We talked a lot this week about what it would take to defeat an excellent Loyola team and we came out and did all of those things. We moved the ball, rebounded well and knocked down shots. This is a very good win for us in the conference."
Woods led all scorers with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Dodson added 14 points. Sydney Haas added 12 points and six boards and Thomas added seven points and seven rebounds.
Zoie Miller led the Wolfpack with 22 points.
Brenau outshot Loyola 46% (31-67) to 39% (28-71) from the floor, while maintaining a slight edge in free throws (81% to 78%).
Loyola (18-5 overall, 10-3 SSAC) entered the game on a five-game winning streak and had previously won 14 of their last 16 games.
Brenau (14-6 overall, 7-5 SSAC) next hosts Mobile (Ala.) on Saturday at 2 pm eastern in Gainesville.