Amanda McGill had a season high 21 points to lead William Carey (5-6, 2-1 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) to a 71-63 win over Loyola (1-4, 1-4 GCAC) on Saturday in The Den.

The 5-foot-6-inch McGill shot 7-of-12 from the field equaling Loyola field goals in the second half. Loyola shot 30.7 percent (20-for-65) from the floor, making only seven field goals in the second half.

Trailing slightly in the first half, the ‘Pack went to the long ball.

Dani Holland, criminal justice junior, hit a 3-pointer to tie the score at 32-32 with less than four minutes remaining in the first period.

And then the three’s stopped coming.

The Crusaders followed with a three of their own by Taphne Jackson with 3:21 remaining in the first half. Carey cruised the rest of the way, not allowing the ‘Pack to come within six points.

The ‘Pack, which connected on 31.2 percent (271-for-866) last season from behind the arc, shot 20.6 percent (6-for-29), and the Crusaders hit 36.8 percent of their 3-point attempts.

Loyola trailed 35-34 at the half.

For the Crusaders, reserve forward Alberta Norman scored 10 points.

Trenese Smith, psychology freshman, and Holland led the ‘Pack with 13 points each. Kimberly Rigg, general studies junior, added 10 points, while Holland had a game-high 12 rebounds.

Reigning GCAC Player of the Week, Kiely Schork, communications junior, struggled from the floor with two points on 1-of-10 shooting and committed eight turnovers.

The ‘Pack is scheduled to play at Tougaloo on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tip off is 5 p.m.

Michael Nissman can be reached at [email protected].