In the last four match-ups between Loyola University and Southeastern Louisiana University, the games were decided in Southeastern’s favor. This time, however, Loyola bounced back.

Head coach DoBee Plaisance’s formula for success: execution.

“We came with our defensive plan and basically executed on both ends,” Plaisance said.

After trailing 5-0 with 17:26 remaining, the Wolfpack pulled ahead of the Lady Lions 12-9 with a 3-pointer by criminal justice junior Dani Holland on Tuesday night at the University Center. The ‘Pack never trailed the rest of the game and won 73-61.

The ‘Pack jumped ahead with an 8-2 run, topped by a 3-pointer by forward Marjorie Bilinski, finance sophomore, to give Loyola a 29-22 advantage with 6:47 remaining. The ‘Pack remained ahead and closed the first half with a 40-31 lead.

In the second half Loyola came out on a 7-2 run, making it a 14-point lead with 17:43 to go. The Lady Lions rallied to a single digit lead at 51-43 with a jumper from Tai Cawthon. The ‘Pack answered back with a 9-2 run of its own to build the lead to 60-45 with one of five 3-pointers by Kiely Schork, general studies sophomore.

SLU’s Brooke Necaise made a three to cut the deficit to 67-57 with 2:06 remaining, but the ‘Pack held the lead to close the game.

Bilinski and Schork led all scorers with 23 points each. Holland had a double-double with a game high 10 rebounds and 21 points. The trio combined for 67 points.

“Our veterans are stepping up,” Plaisance said. “They are setting an example, and because of their maturity, they are going to help our younger ones mature.”

Loyola held preseason All-Southland Conference selection Nakeya Downing to 13 points. Cawthon led the Lady Lions with 16 points.

The ‘Pack outshot the Lady Lions, 48.3 percent (28-for-58) to 38.5 percent (22-for-57).

The win is the first over a NCAA Division I school since December 2003, when the ‘Pack snapped Birmingham Southern’s 14-game winning streak in a 57-51 decision. Loyola improved to 3-3 on the year.

Plaisance said the victory is a testament that the team is becoming more “mentally tough” and the team’s chemistry is progressing.

With the win, the ‘Pack starts 1-0 on its first of 11 consecutive road games. The team faces Wesleyan today at 5 p.m. in the Huntingdon College tournament.

Michael Nissmann can be reached at [email protected].