Elsah, IL- The Principia Men's basketball team hosted the Spalding University Golden Eagles for the first conference match up of the season for both teams. Coming into the game both teams looked to get off to a good start in SLIAC play after a rough non-conference start. In a tale of two halves the Panthers give up a lead and end up falling 78-61 to Spalding University.
To start the game Principia came out prepared and energetic as they were able to get several consecutive stops on the defensive end of the floor. Three different Panthers scored lay ups on consecutive possessions to open up the game at 6-0. Spalding would respond and get right back in the game with a couple buckets of their own. In a low scoring defensive match each team tried to pull away from the other. With 10 minutes left in the first half with the score tied at 13-13,
TreVaughn Goodman hit a big three point shot to give Prin a 16-13 advantage. Spalding began to find a groove offensively and both teams would exchange baskets over the next few minutes. Back to back three pointers by
Micah Paulson helped keep the Panthers locked into the game. Just before half
TreVaughn Goodman hit two free throws to give the Panthers a 37-30 advantage heading into the locker room.
To start the second half Principia ran a great play to get
Clark Davidson an easy bucket in the paint and stretch the lead to 9 points. Spalding would quickly answer back and go on a run of their own. Just 5 minutes into the second half poor offensive execution for the Panthers allowed the Golden Eagles to take control of the game and take a 42-41 lead. The wheels began to fall off for the Panthers as they struggled to score and Spalding was able to stretch their lead to 13 points with 7 minutes remaining. Following a timeout the Panthers fought back one more time with a mini run of their own cutting the lead to 8 points. With a chance to cut it to 5 points a three pointer by Principia just missed and the Golden Eagles were able to hit a dagger three on the other end. After a great first half Principia was unable to sustain as they end up losing 78-61 in their first conference game.
Notable Performances
TreVaughn Goodman led the Panthers with 22 points 5 rebounds 5 assists. Senior
Micah Paulson was not far behind with 20 points. Freshman
Clark Davidson had a good second half, finishing with 14 points 6 rebounds.
Up Next
The Principia Panthers are right back at home versus Greenville University at 3pm.
