Box Score

Four Golden Eagles scored in double figures as the Spalding University men's basketball team routed Principia College 100-53 in their SLIAC opener Thursday night. With the win SU improves to 2-5 on the season and 1-0 in the SLIAC.

Javante Lavender and Thomas Blakemore combined for 18 first half points to spring the Golden Eagles to a 51-19 first half advantage.

Principia's Sawyer Grow knocked down a jumper to start the second half, but Brandon Gabriel answered with a three-pointer on Spalding's next possession, sparking an 11-0 SU run as SU rolled to the 100-53 win.

The Golden Eagles shot a season-high 52.9% from the field, connecting on 11-23 (47.8%) attempts from beyond the arc, while passing out 21 assists and grabbing 34 rebounds. SU also dominated on the defensive side of the ball, forcing 24 turnovers and 14 steals.

Jovante Lavender led SU offensively, scoring a team-high 16 points. Three more Golden Eagles scored in double figures on the night. Brandon Gabriel and James Turner tallied 13 points each, while Terez Smith added 11 points.

Kenny Sydness led Principia, scoring a game-high 25 points on 7-11 shooting from the field.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action Saturday, December 7 when they take on Iowa Wesleyan in a neutral-site game at Fontbonne University. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m., ET.