Box Score ElSAH, ILL
Principia College Hay fieldhouse was the place to be on Friday night as the Principia Panthers battled the Golden Eagles from Spalding University in a New Year's conference matchup. It was an exciting game with Principia leading the golden eagles for the first 12 minutes before Tyler St. Julian hit a three pointer to put Spalding ahead at the 8:13 mark of the first half. The golden Eagles were able to stretch the lead to 9 by the end of the first half as the momentum seem to shift in their favor. Using their superior height Spalding was able to convert several second chance buckets that led to the Panthers falling behind. As the second half began, Principia once again employed their full court trapping press and created several turnovers and conversions. However Spalding was able to stem the tide and maintain a 10 point lead throughout most of the second half. With 9 minutes left Principia made what was to be their last run of the evening forcing Spalding to call a time out. Out of the time stoppage Spalding went to a 2-3 zone defense that sealed the doom for the Panthers as the golden eagles ran out to a 17 point lead by the 5 minute mark. In foul trouble and unable to mount a come back attack, Principia cleared the bench as Spalding finished the game with the final 25 point margin.
Justin MacDonald had an outstanding game for the Panthers with 18 points and
Naveed Hosseinmardi did a workman's job battling the Spalding Bigs with 11 points. New comer Stanley
did a nice job off the bench with 8 points and 5 rebounds.
Kenny Sydness played well but was plagued with foul trouble and ended up below his team leading 20 point average with just 8 points in limited time.Principia will next travel to MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Il for another conference game, Tuesday, 1/10. Hope to see everyone there.
