ELSAH, IL – With a big winter storm approaching, the Principia basketball teams moved their home games against Spalding University up a day to fit them in on Friday evening. The women tipped off first and the Panthers treated the home fans to a big second half comeback for their fourth straight SLIAC victory.
The first half was rough for Principia as they struggled on both ends of the floor and fell behind early. The Panthers went into halftime down by 12 and in need of a turnaround. A 12-4 run over the first six and a half minutes of the half got Principia right back in it, though Spalding fought back and still entered the fourth quarter up by 8.
The Panthers turned on their A-game when it mattered most as they clawed their way back and took their first lead of the game with 5:15 remaining on a lay up by
Taylor Brown. Spalding and Principia began alternating lead changes four times over the next three minutes. Lay ups by
Ariana Williams and
Lamiya Terrell gave the Panthers a 67-64 lead with two minutes to go, but then free throws by Spalding would tie the game with 16 seconds remaining. On the games' final possession,
Trinniti Matthews was fouled in the paint with less than a second left and made two clutch free throws to win the game for Principia.
Ariana Williams led the way for the Panthers with 17 points plus 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Trinniti Matthews also had a great game with 12 points plus 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, while
Lamiya Terrell continued her strong week with 10 points plus 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals.
Principia will finish their three-game homestand on Thursday when they host Westminster College looking to avenge their loss to the Blue Jays earlier this season. Tip off in Hay Field House will be at 5:30 PM.
