LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On Saturday, Spalding women's basketball hosted St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) opponent Lyon College. The Golden Eagles defeated the Scots 102-97. 

SU moved to 6-9 (4-4 SLIAC), while Lyon fell to 9-5 (4-3 SLIAC) on the season.

TURNING POINT
Right off tip-off, Isis Rodgers found Nicole Hollowell to hit the opening three-pointer to give SU the early lead. This was followed by Zaneiya Batiste, Hollowell, and Sydney Raque baskets. This pushed Spalding to an early 9-0 lead in under two minutes. Lyon instantly went on an 11-2 run of their own to make it a tie ballgame, 11-11. The Golden Eagles and the Scots had a scoring battle to begin the first quarter as neither team could miss. Lyon took the lead to end the first quarter, 27-32.

It was a slow start to begin the second quarter as neither team made a basket for the first two minutes of the period. Free throws by the Scots started the scoring off. A three-pointer by Maelyn Ridener sparked an 11-4 Golden Eagle run to make it a tied ball game, 40-40. The scoring battle did not stop there as each team kept finding the bottom of the basket entering halftime. The Golden Eagles ended the first half with the slight advantage, 51-50.

Entering the third quarter, SU brought some of that momentum they had to end the second quarter. Spalding nor Lyon let off the gas coming out of halftime. Sydney Raque had a beautiful eurostep layup, which started scoring for the Golden Eagles. Batiste, Riana Caldwell, and Rodgers all contributed during the quarter as each of them found the bottom of the basket. The Scots created some separation to end the third, winning 77-70.

Going into the fourth quarter, Spalding had to dig deep to pull out the win. The Golden Eagles started with a 10-2 run. The intensity of the crowd helped SU keep their groove for the remainder of the game. As the score hit 93-91, in favor of Spalding, with a minute remaining, Rodgers hit a dagger three to create a five-point cushion. It was a free throw battle for the remainder of the game as SU went on to win, 102-97.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Sydney Raque tied a career-high 26 points with four rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and two steals.
• Maelyn Ridener shot 11-12 from the free-throw line.
• Zaneiya Batiste had a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
• Spalding outrebounded the Scots, 46-44.

NEXT FOR SPALDING
The Golden Eagles will travel to St. Louis, Missouri to face SLIAC opponent Principia. Tip-off is scheduled on Thursday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m.