EASTON, Pa. – A series of Greyhounds fouls proved to be what the Leopards needed Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Greyhounds, 55-52 in overtime for their second Patriot League victory.

Junior Drew Freeland led the way for the Leopards putting up a season-high 19 points. Junior Natalie Kucowski also put up double-digits with 10 points and 16 rebounds, marking her 10^th double double of the season.

Lafayette (6-8, 2-2 PL) jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter, going on a 13-point scoring run to put themselves up 15-2. Loyola (3-12, 0-4 PL) started to close the gap at the end of the second quarter, bringing themselves within three, 29-26, heading into the locker room at the half.

The Greyhounds took control of the third quarter taking a 37-31 lead halfway through. But big baskets from Freeland and senior Tasha Vipond brought the Leopards back within one.
Loyola responded with a layup to put itself back up by three. Kucowski drew a foul, sending sophomore Nicole Johnson to the line. Johnson made both extra points to bring the Leopards back within one and then once again it would be a drawn foul by Kucowski, this time sending herself to the line to shoot two.

She made both followed which Freeland followed up with a layup to send Leopards into the fourth quarter with a 42-39 lead.

The fourth quarter saw the game tied three times with neither team being able to break the 50-50 tie at the end of regulation, sending the Leopards into their third overtime game this season.

The Greyhounds got the first basket but a series of fouls would prove costly for them as both Kucowski and senior Alexis Santarelli drew fouls and made enough of their extra points to put the Leopards up by three, giving them the overtime victory.  

Kucowski's 16 rebounds now puts her career rebounding total at 844, tying her for second all-time in the Lafayette record book with Emily Homan. She needs just 10 more to become Lafayette Women's Basketball all-time leading rebounder.

Up next for the Leopards is a trip to Hamilton, New York for an 11 a.m. tip-off on Wednesday with Colgate.