By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information
Blackburn's 54 rebounds propelled them to a 64-42 SLIAC victory over the visiting Principia Panthers. The Beavers improve to 3-16 on the year and 3-8 in conference play.
The Beavers scored the first bucket of the game and never looked back as they had the lead for the entire game. Briana Rae pushed Blackburn to victory by scoring 20 points and hitting 9 of 20 from the field. She completed her fourth double-double of the season by grabbing 10 rebounds, which was tied for the team high.
Kylie Sparks also had 10 of the 54 boards for Blackburn. Every member of the team had at least three rebounds in the game. There were plenty of opportunities to grasp some rebounds as Principia shot 27 percent from the field, going 16 for 59. Both teams seemed to be off their shooting game from distance. Principia attempted 21 three-pointers (20 by Sarah Corbitt) and only converted three of them. Meanwhile, Blackburn did not make any of their attempted 10 three-pointers.
Although Principia's Corbitt was only 4 for 28 overall, she led the team with 16 points. She was one rebound away from recording her own double-double. Blackburn Shelby's Smith added 13 points which gave her a double-digit scoring output in eight of her past nine games. She still leads the team with by averaging 11.7 points per game.
It was a back and forth game that had very little stoppage time. There were plenty of missed shots and turnovers that led to a very quick game. Principia turned the ball over 29 compared to Blackburn's 19. From those 29 turnovers, Blackburn scored 29 points. They also corralled 18 steals in the contest, led by Briana Rae with 5 and Rashonda Willis with 4.
Blackburn had four players come off the bench that combined to score 27 points. Each player contributed at least six points to the effort.
This weekend sends the Beavers traveling to Louisville, Kentucky as they take on Spalding University this Saturday at 1 p.m. When they met up with the Golden Eagles on January 12th, Blackburn was out-dueled by a score of 81-59.