By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information
The Blackburn College Women's Basketball Team, coming off a 68-67 win over Augustana College on Friday, couldn't keep the magic going against the University of Dubuque on Tuesday night in Carlinville. The Spartans defeated Blackburn 112-89 in a scoring extravaganza.
The Beavers were within five points with just under five minutes remaining in the first half. Dubuque went on a mini-run late to push the lead to 42-30 at halftime. The Spartans came out in the second half with the same intensity as they scored twelve straight points, ten of which came from Dubuque freshman Daneshia Snitker. Snitker finished the night with 24 points and a perfect 11-11 from the field.
Dubuque's largest lead was 35 with just under seven minutes left, but Blackburn fought back to bring it as close as 21 but finished the game with a 23 point margin. The Spartans outscored the Beavers 70-59 in the second half.
Blackburn had four players in double-digits including three with 20 or more points. The game's leading scorer was senior Shelby Smith(Jerseyville, Ill.) with 28. Ciara Morgan(Springfield, Ill.) was right on her tail with 24 points and also snagged an astonishing 22 rebounds. Morgan had four steals and added seven assists. Junior Briana Rae(Staunton, Ill.) also had a double-double on the evening. Rae knocked down 20 points and grabbed 12 boards. Danique Smith(Decatur, Ill.) was the fourth double-digit scorer for the Beavers with her 15 points. She was 9 of 10 from the free throw strike.
Besides Snitker, the Spartans had four other players in double-digits: Jenna Kotas(18), Jessica Goetz(12), Adrianna Stephens(10), and Emily Brinker(10). Dubuque shot 46.5% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc. Blackburn was dominate on the free throw line, making 28 of 36 for 77.8%.
Blackburn is now 1-4 on the season while Dubuque is 3-1. The Beavers will have a break for Thanksgiving before returning to action on Wednesday, December 4th. They will travel to St. Louis to open up SLIAC play against Fontbonne University. Tip-off is slated for 6 PM.