Box Score ELSAH, ILL. - This afternoon the Principia College women's basketball team opened up the new year with a home contest versus top conference opponent Spalding University. The Lady Panthers got off to a sluggish start, digging themselves a 10 point lead before settling into the game. High pressure defense on the perimeter by Spalding gave the Panther guards a lot of trouble, and the Golden Eagles were able convert several of those miscues into easy buckets at the other end. Switching into a zone defense, Principia was able to finally get some stops, but their offensive woes continued throughout the half (Principia scored just 16 points in the first 20 minutes. Never really finding a rhythm offensively, the Panthers went into the locker room at half time down 16-33.
The 2nd half showed marked improvement from the Panthers at both ends of the floor. While unable to stop Golden Eagle forwards Jessica Guy and Kayla Styles (they combined for 38 of the total 60 points for Spalding), the Panther zone was effective enough to allow the Panthers to hang tough. Some shots began to fall for Principia, but they were unable to overcome the deficit of the first half. In the end, the Panthers played Spalding practically even during the second 20 minutes with a final score of 42-60. Notable statistical contributions include sophomore forward
Rachel Perea with 13 points, 9 boards and a continued perfect record from the charity stripe (Perea was 7-7 from the line). Junior forward
Kara Johnson had a game high 14 points and 10 boards.
The Lady Panthers play next this coming Tuesday, January 6th at home vs. Westminster College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
