WILMORE, Ky. - The Spalding University women's basketball team earned a hard-fought 68–58 road victory over Asbury University on Tuesday evening, using a dominant fourth-quarter performance to pull away late.

TURNING POINT
The Eagles overcame a slow offensive start, shooting just 26.7% in the opening period, yet still managed to lead 12–11 after the first quarter. Spalding began to find more rhythm in the second frame, improving to 41.7% shooting from the field and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to take a slim advantage into halftime.

The third quarter remained tightly contested, with Asbury momentarily tying the game at 27–27 before Spalding regained control behind timely scoring from senior forward Zaneiya Batiste and guard A'Nieja Russell. Batiste dominated the glass throughout the night, collecting 18 rebounds, seven on the offensive end, while adding 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Her inside presence helped Spalding out-rebound Asbury 44–26, a key factor that turned the momentum squarely in Spalding's favor. By the fourth quarter, the Eagles' confidence was evident as they shot a blistering 53.8% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line to close the game out.

Offensively, Spalding was led by a balanced trio of scorers. Alongside Batiste's double-double, Gabby Douglass added 13 points and went 9-for-10 from the line, while Russell chipped in 10 points and a team-high five assists. Defensively, Spalding forced Asbury into 16 turnovers and converted them into 17 points, while also controlling the tempo with 25 fast-break points.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Zaneiya Batiste had a dominant outing: 7-13 field goals, 7 offensive rebounds, 11 defensive rebounds, total 18 rebounds, and 15 points in 34 minutes.
• Gabby Douglass contributed with 13 points (2-9 FG, 9-10 FT), 3 steals and 3 turnovers in 32 minutes.
• A'Nieja Russell added 10 points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-6 FT) and 5 assists in 26 minutes.