LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Spalding men's basketball team failed to hold on to a four-point halftime lead as they were defeated 71-67 in the conference opener against Westminster on Wednesday night at Derek Smith Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles fell to 1-4 on the season 0-1 in conference play while the Blue Jays picked up their first win and are now 1-0 in SLIAC competition.

In a slow starting first half the Golden Eagles jumped out to an early lead behind the play of point guard Rylan Rowe and post player Nick Trisko. Rowe hit a pair of three's in the opening half for six points, and Trisko had a double-double at the half with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Golden Eagles lead at the break for the first time this season, 26-22.  

The second half was faster paced and showed the offensive ability of both teams. Both teams shot over 50 percent in the second frame but the big difference was the free throw line where the Blue Jays made 12-of-21 and Spalding 5-of-8.

Again Rowe and Trisko led the way for Spalding, Trisko with 10 second-half points and Rowe with seven. The Blue Jays outscored the Golden Eagles 49-41 in the second half to secure the victory.

 Senior Brandon Goeing couldn't find the basket on a poor shooting night as he finished with eight points on 4-of-11 shooting. Romo Tabb and Tanner Cochran each had 14 points to lead Westminster.

Spalding outshot the Blue Jays 45 percent to 43, but Westminster found their advantage at the free-throw line hitting five more than the Golden Eagles on 14 more attempts.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Saturday versus Eureka at 3:00 p.m. at Derek Smith Gymnasium.