Bucknell Edges Loyola in Overtime to Advance in Patriot League Championship

LEWISBURG, Pa. — In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of the Patriot League Tournament, top-seeded Bucknell University triumphed over eighth-seeded Loyola Maryland 76-72 in overtime on March 6, 2025, at Sojka Pavilion. This victory marks Bucknell’s NCAA-record ninth overtime game of the season.

Noah Williamson, the Patriot League Player of the Year, achieved game-highs with 21 points and 10 rebounds, completing his 10th double-double of the season. He clinched the game with a crucial free throw with just nine seconds remaining in overtime. Fellow All-Patriot League First Team member Josh Bascoe supported him with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

With this win, Bucknell (18-14) has extended its streak to seven consecutive victories and an impressive 10 wins out of its last 11 games. The Bison will face fifth-seeded Navy in the semifinals on Sunday, March 9, at 12 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

This encounter was the second meeting between Bucknell and Loyola in under a week. In their prior game in Baltimore, Loyola surged ahead with a 22-7 lead, but Bucknell rallied to win 70-67. This time, Bucknell started strong, leading 11-0 within the first two minutes and establishing a 17-point margin at 29-12.

However, Loyola responded with a flurry of three-pointers, hitting six of seven attempts as part of a 22-6 run, ultimately taking its first lead of the night early in the second half. Bucknell regained momentum with back-to-back three-pointers from Bascoe, giving them a 52-44 edge.

Despite Bucknell’s efforts, Loyola continued to chip away at the lead, briefly taking control at 61-59 following a 3-point play by Milos Ilic. The game saw both teams exchange leads down the stretch, leading to a tie at 67 after Jordan Stiemke’s layup with 40 seconds left.

In the overtime period, Spadone played a pivotal role for Bucknell, grabbing key offensive rebounds that set up scoring chances. The Bison ultimately held the lead when Bascoe hit free throws after being fouled on a drive. Williamson’s final free throw secured the victory as Loyola could not convert on their last possession.

Edmonds added 12 points while Spadone contributed eight, despite facing foul trouble in the first half. For Loyola, Jacob Theodosiou led with 17 points, while Stiemke, Ilic, and Speed added 14, 13, and 10 points respectively.

Bucknell shot 47.3% from the field, fortifying their offense with an 8-for-20 performance from three-point range and 16-for-23 at the foul line. Loyola, conversely, finished the game at 41.9% shooting and managed to outrebound the Bison 38-31.

In an earlier quarterfinal, fifth-seeded Navy defeated fourth-seeded Boston University 86-78, marking the Terriers’ first loss at home to a Patriot League opponent this season. Bucknell has won both regular-season meetings against Navy, showcasing a competitive road ahead.