CARLINVILLE, Ill. - Spalding's women's basketball team put together a confident and balanced performance in a 65–45 road win over Blackburn.

TURNING POINT
From the opening tip, Spalding imposed its rhythm, building an early lead with physical play inside and unselfish ball movement that kept Blackburn scrambling on defense. The Golden Eagles led 18–10 after the first quarter and continued to extend that margin through the first three periods, ultimately cruising to a double-digit victory.

Senior forward Zaneiya Batiste was the engine for Spalding, producing a team-high 18 points while dominating the glass with 14 rebounds. Her presence inside set the tone early — finishing around the basket, battling through contact on rebounds, and helping the Golden Eagles secure extra possessions. Guard Nicole Hollowell provided a strong offensive spark, knocking down four three-pointers on her way to 13 points and mixing her long-range shooting with smart drives into the lane to create opportunities for teammates.

Playmaking and efficiency were evident throughout the Spalding lineup. Anastasia Dowlen chipped in a double-figure effort with 12 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Golden Eagles another strong interior presence. Veteran Ma'Kaylia Lute added 7 points, showing her ability to hit timely shots, including a three-pointer that helped keep the Spalding offense clicking. Brooke McNeal pitched in with 6 points and 4 rebounds, using her length to contest shots and contribute on both ends.

The bench also played a role in the victory. Deonte'nae Neal provided energy with 6 points and several active defensive plays, while Kennedy Brown added 3 points and made some key hustle plays that helped maintain Spalding's momentum. Freshman guard Zuri King saw action as well, bringing energy on both ends in limited minutes.

Defensively, Spalding forced turnovers and limited Blackburn's looks inside, holding them under 33 % shooting for the game. The Golden Eagles' ability to convert stops into transition opportunities helped keep the scoreboard ticking and kept Blackburn from mounting any sustained run. By the fourth quarter, Spalding was comfortably in control and were able to manage the clock to seal the win.