Spalding Women Take 64-50 Win in SLIAC Matchup

Coming off a tough loss to Webster, Blackburn looked to spring the upset but Spalding defended their house with a 64-50 win on Saturday afternoon.

Spalding (9-6, 5-2 SLIAC) used an 8-0 run to begin the opening quarter. Blackburn then went on a 10-4 run capped off by Senior Gariel Pierce (Springfield, Illinois / Southeast) who ended the run with her second layup and sixth point of the quarter to bring the Beavers within two, 12-10, at the end of the first quarter.

Blackburn (3-12, 1-7) stayed strong in the second quarter and kept the matchup close, as Spalding led 29-23 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Blackburn started the first five minutes by outscoring the Golden Eagles, 8-7, to stay within five, 36-31, with 4:46 remaining in the quarter.

Spalding began an 8-3 run with 4:24 left in the third to take a ten-point lead, 44-34, into the final period of play.

Alex Martin started the final quarter with two layups to push Spalding's lead to 14. The Golden Eagles then matched the Beaver's point for point, 16-16, to hold off the Beavers to win 64-50.

Blackburn ended the night shooting 37.3 percent (22 of 59) from the field. The Beavers attempted 13 three-pointers and found the mark on three (23.1 percent). Spalding shot 29.4 percent (20 of 68) and 22.6 percent (7 of 31) from long range. The Golden eagles registered a 28-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Pierce led BC with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT: Blackburn Women travel to play Principia at their home court Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m.