JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – A strong third quarter for the Spalding Golden Eagles lead to an 82-74 victory over the MacMurray Highlanders. With the win, Spalding improves to 8-6 on the season and 4-2 in SLIAC play.    
 
THE BASICS
THE SCORE: Spalding 82 – MacMurray 74
LOCATION: Bill Wall Gymnasium | Jacksonville, Ill.   
RECORDS: Spalding 8-6 (4-2 SLIAC) | MacMurray 1-14 (0-6 SLIAC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In the first quarter, MacMurray took the early lead 4-2 and at one point stretched their lead out to 14-7, but Spalding had an answer. Allison Just started a Golden Eagle 12-5 run to end the first quarter with a layup and the foul. A three-pointer by Alex Martin knotted the game up at 19 to end of the first quarter of play. Spalding's offense caught fire from behind the arch in the second quarter, hitting four three-pointers. The Golden Eagles gained the lead after Maleah Hirn made a three-point basket, making the score 27-24. Spalding's lead grew to nine with three minutes left in the half. However, MacMurray came right back with a quick 6-2 run to cut the lead to 39-34 going into the half.   
 
- Megan Goeing started the half with a jumper to extend the lead to 41-34 and from there the Golden Eagles never looked back. Spalding led by a game-high 15 points after a pair of free throws by Allison Just. SU outscored MacMurray 28-22 in the third quarter. The Golden Eagles were able to defend and hold off Highlanders in the fourth quarter to cruise to an 82-74 win on the road. 
 
- The Golden Eagles had three score in double-figures with Alex Martin leading the way with 30 points, six steals, and four rebounds. Freshman, Maleah Hirn added 21 points and five boards. Spalding's defense forced 22 Highlander turnovers, scoring 21 points off the turnovers. 
 
FOR THE FOES
- Chassidy Hays had a double-double scoring 28 points, shooting a nearly perfect 13-14 from the field. She also added 17 rebounds. 
 
UP NEXT
- The Golden Eagles are back in action Saturday, January 12 at home taking on the Blackburn Beavers at 1:00 pm EST.