ELSAH, IL - Playing their first conference home game of the season, the Principia College Women's Basketball team let a tremendous opportunity slip through their fingers in the fourth quarter against a very resilient Spalding University squad.
The Panthers came out aggressively again in the first quarter, taking a commanding 10-2 lead right from the start. However, a quick timeout by the Golden Eagles seemed to calm the waters and give them a spark to finish the quarter leading 13-12. The second quarter was a back and forth affair with several lead changes as both teams started to show their strengths on each end of the court. The Panthers held Spalding to an equal draw in the second to go into the half still only down one point at 26-25.
The third quarter looked a lot like the second, and it was great to see the Panthers string together three productive quarters and keep the energy at a high level. Coach Ro said after the game, "We found ourselves down just four points going into the fourth quarter. Despite an okay third, we were still in a terrific place at that point and well within striking distance. However, we just let it get away from us in the fourth and didn't put the premium on defense that we needed to in order to get the necessary stops."
The fourth quarter ended up being the deciding factor for the Panthers as they managed to give up a game high 23 points and scored just 12 points in return. This led to a 71-56 defeat for Principia and a missed opportunity to get their first conference win. In terms of final stats, the Panthers were led by Alana Hinson's 16 point effort, followed again by Tyliah Williams' 11 points, and Aaliyah Scott's 9 points. Paige Fowler lead all rebounders on both sides with 14 total.
"It is not an easy process for a group this young to build under constant pressure like we've had to do, but I know this group is up for the job," Coach Ro continued. "We will continue to prepare in the best ways that we can so that the team can keep improving each day and each game."
Up Next: The Panthers have a quick turnaround and a tough task this weekend as they travel to St. Louis to face conference leading Webster University at 1 PM on Saturday.
