By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information
The Blackburn College Women's Basketball Team hosted the SLIAC's top team on Saturday afternoon. The Spalding University Golden Eagles defeated the Beavers 80-62.
Blackburn came out of the gates surging and outplaying Spalding up until the halfway point in the game. At one point, the Beavers held a 17 point advantage and were in clear control of the game. Heading into the locker room, Blackburn found themselves leading 40-27.
Spalding was a different team in the second half. A 10-point run after the intermission put them back in the game. The Golden Eagles had no intentions of stopping there. They would continue their strong second half play throughout the remainder of the game. Blackburn was held to just 22 second half points while Spalding cashed in 53 of their own. The 31 point deficit was too much for Blackburn who eventually lost 80-62.
Despite the loss, Blackburn had three players in double-digits. Senior Shelby Smith(Jerseyville, Ill.) was the game's leading scorer with 20 points. Ciara Morgan(Springfield, Ill.) posted a double double with 19 points and 12 boards. Senior captain Charitie Goodman(Pittsburg, Ill.) scored a season high 10 points. Alicia George(Lake Charles, La.) dished the ball around for five total assists.
The Beavers earned their way to the free throw line a total of 27 times, making 19 of those attempts. Blackburn shot 52% in the first half compared to a poor 18% in half number two. Spalding, on the other hand, shot 34% in the first half and a turnaround 60% in the second.
For Spalding, Jessica Guy led the way with an outstanding second half. Guy scored most of her 19 points after the break. Maya Hardin and Kelsey Kaiser had 11 and 10 points, respectively. Kerstin Hayes had the game-high with six assists.
Blackburn now sits at 3-13 overall and 2-7 in conference play. The home stand continues as the Gorloks of Webester University visit Carlinville on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.