FULTON, Mo. – The Golden Eagles lost a hard fought game at Westminster, 73-67, Saturday afternoon in Fulton, Mo. The Golden Eagles record drops to 7-12 on the season and 5-6 in SLIAC competition, while Blue Jays improved to 11-9 and 6-5 in SLIAC play.  

THE BASICS
THE SCORE: Westminster 73 – Spalding 67
LOCATION: Historic Gym, Fulton, Mo.
RECORD: Spalding 7-12 (5-5 SLIAC), Westminster 11-9 (6-5 SLIAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED

Westminster jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before a Mackenzie Myers three-pointer cut the deficit to one point. The Blue Jays began to knock down shots stretching their margin to 10 points at the end of the first quarter. Westminster pushed their lead to 14 points, when the Golden Eagles began to claw back into the game. Trailing 33-19, a Jenna Thornhill jumper sparked 10-2 SU run to end the quarter cutting the deficit to six points at the break. The Golden Eagles continued to cut into the Westminster lead in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to two points three times, but could not even up score trailing, 55-53, heading into the fourth. SU opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back turnovers followed by a 5-0 Westminster run pushing the deficit back to seven points. Spalding fought their way back, eventually cutting the Blue Jay lead to two points with 1:33 to play following a Lelanda Matthews and-one. Nevertheless, Westmin's Kendahl Adams used a screen to get space to knock down a three-pointer on the Blue Jay's next possession and the Golden Eagles fell, 73-67.

Alex Martin scored 12 points to lead three Golden Eagles that finished in double figures. Megan Goeing scored 11 points shooting an efficient 57.1 percent. Mackenzie Myers was the third Golden Eagle in double digits finishing with 10 points. Senior Lelanda Matthews pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, while adding nine points and three blocks.

Two key factors in the game were rebounding and free throws. The Blue Jays outrebounded SU 50-to-29, including 22-to-7 on the offensive boards. Westminster also outshot Spalding at the free throw line going 12-of-21, while SU went 7-of-9.

FOR THE FOES

Kendahl Adams led the Blue Jays nearly earning a triple-double finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

UP NEXT

Up next, the Golden Eagles return home to square off against MacMurray Wednesday, January 31. Tip-off is 6:00 pm at Derek Smith Gymnasium.