BALTIMORE – Outscored 12-2 in the final five minutes, the American University women's basketball team fell to Loyola Maryland, 52-46, in its Patriot League opener on Wednesday.

Freshman Kaitlyn Lewis recorded 10 points and a team-high four assists to lead the Eagles, who fell to 2-10 overall and 0-1 in the league. Meanwhile, senior Ari Booth and freshman Cecily Carl each added eight points for American.

Colleen Marshall finished with 17 points to lead the Greyhounds (4-8, 1-0), while Jeneh Perry added 12 points.

The game remained close throughout, with six ties and 15 lead changes. Loyola took a 12-11 lead at the end of the opening period after scoring seven points from the foul line.

The Greyhounds led by as many as three points in the second quarter before a three-pointer by Lewis tied the score at 22-22 with a minute remaining. However, Loyola made a layup just before time expired to take a 24-22 advantage into the intermission.

American opened the third period on a 7-0 run to pull ahead, but Loyola came back to tie the game at 33-33 with three minutes remaining in the quarter. A long two-pointer by Carl put the Eagles back on top, but the Greyhounds again scored in the waning seconds of the period to knot the score at 35-35 heading into the final stanza.

The two teams continued to trade points early in the fourth quarter, but a 5-0 run by the Eagles, capped off by a three-pointer from sophomore Kate Bond, gave American a 44-40 advantage with five minutes remaining.

However, Marshall scored Loyola's next nine points to give the Greyhounds a 49-46 lead with 49 seconds on the clock. Although American had its chances late in the game, the Eagles missed four field goals in the final minute.

While American outshot Loyola from the field, the Eagles converted just 2-of-8 free throws. Meanwhile, the Greyhounds finished 12-of-18 from the line.

The Eagles are back on the road this Saturday, Jan. 2, when they visit Colgate for a 4 p.m. contest.