LOUISVILLE, KY – The Principia Men's Basketball team took to the road to Louisville, Kentucky for the second time this week to play the Spalding Golden Eagles in their SLIAC Quarterfinal matchup. Principia was coming off a big win on Senior Day over Eureka College to make the tournament, but had lost to Spalding 59-53 in their game just one week prior. The Golden Eagles came into the game as the #3 seed in the SLIAC Tournament, and they were looking to exact some revenge from last season when Principia knocked Spalding out in these same Quarterfinals.
The game was a defensive battle throughout where Principia could not seem to find their rhythm on the offensive end. After being down 32-24 at half, the Panthers would make an early run in the second half to cut the lead to one point. Unfortunately, they would run out of gas and fall to Spalding 65-48.
After an early 7-2 deficit for the Panthers, an AJ Byrd three pointer and a Jaquan Adams floater tied the score. Spalding would then take a 19-9 lead with 8:06 remaining before Bobby Alford III scored three baskets to get the Panthers back within three at 21-18 with 4:27 left in the half. The lead quickly got back up to 12, but Principia would go on a 6-2 run to end the half, punctuated by a deep three from Byrd right before the break. Going into the locker rooms, Principia trailed 32-24.
Coming out of halftime, the Panthers looked to get back into the game with a quick 5-0 run on a floater from Adams and a three pointer by Shemarri Miles. After a three pointer from Spalding, Isaiah Parker hit a three of his own followed by an Adams lay up to cut the lead to one at 35-34 with 15:59 remaining. Unfortunately, this would be as close as Principia would get as their offense faltered the rest of the game. Spalding was able to build a comfortable lead as the final buzzer sounded on Principia's season with a 65-48 loss.
Good to Know: This was the last game in the careers of seniors Jaquan Adams, AJ Byrd, Shemarri Miles, and Jake Erickson. They have been rocks for our program over the years, and it will be tough to see them go. Adams led Principia with another double double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Byrd finished with 13 points and Bobby Alford III chipped in with 8 points.
Up Next: This marks the end of the season for the Panthers. Thank you so much for all your support, and we cannot wait to see you all again in the 2024-25 season!
