Blackburn Women's Basketball team was defeated by conference opponent Spalding University on Saturday, March 6th with a score of 76 to 59. 

Spalding led most of the game, as Blackburn's only lead was 2 to 0 in the first quarter. The Golden Eagles were able to maintain their lead due to a great shooting performance. Spalding shot 51 percent from the field compared to the Beaver's 31 percent. Spalding also out-rebounded the Beavers 41 to 36. Each team had over 20 turnovers leading to 28 points off turnovers for the Golden Eagles and 15 for Blackburn.  

At the end of the first quarter, Spalding led Blackburn 23 to 11. Spalding gained this lead by forcing the Beavers into six turnovers. The Golden Eagles were leading 21 to 6 with 2:08 left in the quarter. The Beavers closed the gap with a 5 to 2 run to close the quarter. Spalding was led by Hunter Wright with ten points, shooting five of seven from the floor, grabbing two rebounds and blocking two shots. The Beavers were led by Freshman Forward Mariah Hopson; she connected with a three pointer and had an assist. 

Each team scored 13 points in the second quarter, giving Spalding a 36 to 24 lead at halftime. Blackburn went on a 7 to 0 run to cut the lead to 6 with 1:44 left until half. Spalding would then end the half on a 6 to 0 run. Spalding was led by Natalie Fitcher with five points, an assist, and two steals. The Beavers were led by Hopson as she scored another five points, two more assists, and a steal.

Spalding extended their 13 point halftime lead to 19. The Golden Eagles went on a 13 to 3 run with 3:21 left in the third quarter to extend the lead to 22 points. Heading into the fourth quarter, the lead was 56 to 37.  Wright led the Golden Eagles with 10 points, shooting five of seven from the floor and grabbing five boards. Blackburn was led by Junior guard Savannah Kruse with three points, three rebounds, and one assist. 

Blackburn out scored Spalding 22 to 20 in the fourth quarter. Defensively the Beavers caused Spalding into nine turnovers. Junior guard Hannah Box connected on a three to cut the lead to 16 with 2:49 left in the game, but the Beavers could not get any closer. The final score was 76 to 59. Box led the Beavers with five points, one rebound, and one assist in the quarter.

Game Highs:

Blackburn- 

Kruse 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists

Hopson 8 points 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

Spalding- 

Hunter Wright 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks

Natalie Fitcher 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals 

Kailey Reed 10 points, 5 assists, 1 rebound

Spalding improves to 2-1 and Blckburn falls to 0-3 in the early season. 

UP NEXT: Blackburn travels to Fontbonne University for a 5:30 tip-off Tuesday night, March 9th.