Loyola Maryland pulled off a stunning upset at Reitz Arena, taking down American University 77-68 in a non-conference matchup. The Greyhounds, who entered the game with a 8-14 record, were not given much of a chance by CHD Scout, which predicted a toss-up with American University winning by a razor-thin margin. However, Braeden Speed and the Loyola Maryland squad had other plans, proving the prediction wrong with a decisive 9-point victory.
Speed was the star of the show, scoring 30 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to lead the Greyhounds to their impressive win. His performance was complemented by solid showings from Carter Berg-McLean, who chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Jordan Stiemke, who added 12 points of his own. The trio's efforts helped Loyola Maryland build a 42-28 halftime lead, which they would never relinquish.
American University, led by Madden Collins' 22 points, attempted to mount a comeback in the second half. The Eagles outscored the Greyhounds 40-35 in the final 20 minutes, but it was too little, too late. Collins' efforts were supported by Geoff Sprouse, who scored 12 points, and Greg Jones, who contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds. Despite their best efforts, the Eagles were unable to overcome the deficit, falling to 13-9 on the season.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The loss is a significant blow to American University's tournament resume, as it falls into the Q4 category. On the other hand, the win is a much-needed boost for Loyola Maryland, also a Q4 game, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. While the Greyhounds' chances of making the tournament are still slim, this upset victory will undoubtedly be a highlight on their resume.
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. American University, which had been trending upwards, must regroup and refocus after this stunning defeat. Meanwhile, Loyola Maryland want to ride the wave of momentum generated by this upset, hoping to string together a few more wins and make a late push for a postseason berth. As it stands, the Greyhounds' tournament chances remain a long shot, but this win has at least given them a glimmer of hope. For American University, the loss is a setback, but not a devastating blow – they must bounce back quickly to stay on track for a potential tournament bid.