Lafayette defeats Loyola MD 64-79

Lafayette Routs Loyola MD 79-64 in Conference Thriller

The Lafayette Leopards proved they're a force to be reckoned with in the Patriot League, defeating the host Loyola Maryland Terps 79-64 on Sunday at Reitz Arena.

The game was never truly out of reach for Loyola MD, but the away team's balanced attack and stifling defense ultimately sealed the deal. Lafayette took an early lead, thanks to Shareef Jackson's 10 points in the first half, and maintained a slim advantage through halftime.

Trailing by just two at intermission, Braeden Speed sparked a rally for the Terps, scoring eight of his 18 points in the second half. However, Lafayette countered with a 14-2 run midway through the second half, capped off by Christian Humphrey's block on Speed, to build an insurmountable 15-point lead.

Lafayette's victory marked its first win over Loyola MD in program history, and it was a testament to the team's cohesion. Mark Butler led the way with seven assists, while Shareef Jackson scored 20 points at a 90.0% clip from the field.

The Leopards' defense was equally impressive, holding the Terps to just 39.0% shooting from the field and forcing 13 turnovers. Lafayette's bench outscored Loyola MD's by 10 points, and the team's rebounding margin was a significant 9-Defensive boards.

Loyola Maryland, meanwhile, struggled with its outside shot, making just 29.0% of its three-point attempts. The Terps' largest lead was just two points in the first half, before Lafayette took control of the game.

The victory moved Lafayette to 3-2 in conference play, while Loyola MD fell to 4-1. The loss marked the Terps' first home defeat this season.

In a matchup between two evenly-matched teams, Lafayette's superior balance and defensive effort proved too much for Loyola MD to overcome.