LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In a defensive battle between SLIAC foes, Spalding University edged out Lyon College 54–51, picking up a crucial conference win in front of a lively home crowd at Derek Smith Gymnasium.

TURNING POINT
The Golden Eagles and the Scots traded baskets throughout a tight first half. Lyon held a slight 26–23 advantage at the break, but Spalding came out with increased intensity in the second half and outscored Lyon 31–25 after intermission to secure the victory.

Spalding's offense was paced by Lekendrick Morris, who led all scorers with 19 points on an efficient night (7–11 FG) and dished out 4 assists. DeAireus Wells added 12 points, including timely buckets in the second half, while Jaelen Leavell pulled down 8 rebounds and scored 5 to help control the boards.

For Lyon, Trevon Taylor led the Scots with 17 points, knocking down key shots late to keep the game close, and Kenneth Brown added 10 points. Stephen Reed chipped in 8 points with 6 rebounds but the Scots couldn't quite overtake Spalding down the stretch.

The teams played with high intensity and several lead changes, but Spalding's defensive pressure and clutch scoring down the stretch allowed the Golden Eagles to hold on for the three-point win. With the win, Spalding improved its SLIAC record to 6–5 (11–8 overall), while Lyon fell to 7–2 in conference play (12–5 overall).

NEXT FOR SPALDING 
The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Saturday, January 31st. SU will face SLIAC opponent MUW. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 pm.