Last Sunday was another chapter in the local showdown when the Morgan State Lady Bears tipped off against Loyola Maryland in the fun ‘Battle of Cold Spring Lane’ at Reitz Arena. Even though the scoreboard didn’t go the Bears’ way, this game was a roller coaster of hustle, heart, and hustle some more and that’s what made the Morgan Bears so tough in this game.
From the opening whistle, the Lady Bears came out with energy — jumping out to an early lead and keeping the pressure on through three quarters. By the end of the third, Morgan State led 50-42, showing grit and determination against a tough Loyola squad.
But Loyola wasn’t done. The Greyhounds stormed back in the fourth quarter with a 15-2 run, flipping the momentum and pulling ahead for a 65-58 final. That late push was the kind of twist you’d see in the last act of a playoff game! It was truly exciting to watch.
Some key players for the Morgan Bears in this game were Ja’La Bannerman who lit up the scoreboard with 22 points. She was 6 for 12 from the three point line. Tiyanna James kept the pressure on with 13 points including 3 triples. And Kailyn Nash added 10 points and 8 rebounds showing strength both offensively and defensively.
From the opening tip, Loyola’s Koi Sims set the tone. She owned the paint all night, stacking up 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds — a double‑double that shaped the entire flow of the game. Every time Morgan State threatened to swing momentum, Sims answered with a put‑back, a defensive board, or a physical finish inside.
But she had help. Olivia Shaughnessy played with a steady hand in the backcourt, dropping 12 points and dishing out 4 assists, keeping Loyola’s offense organized when the game tightened. Amandine Amorich matched her scoring with 12 points of her own, adding 4 rebounds and giving the Greyhounds another reliable scoring option.
And then there was Cristina Garcia — the spark plug. Her 11 points and 5 assists came at moments when Loyola needed a jolt, whether it was a timely three or a perfectly placed pass to break Morgan State’s defensive pressure.
In a game where every possession felt like a small battle, Loyola’s balance and composure in the fourth quarter made the difference.