Courtesy of Spring Hill Athletics:
ALBANY, Ga. – The Spring Hill College (SHC) women’s basketball opened the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) portion of their season with a 69-66 victory over the Albany State University (ASU) Golden Rams in The Arena at West Campus on Saturday afternoon.
SHC used outside shooting to take a quick 6-1 lead over the Golden Rams (0-4, 0-1 SIAC East) and switched to an inside game to maintain a 21-18 advantage at the end of the 1st period. ASU rallied to take a 34-33 lead into the locker room at the half, but the Badgers came out hot and retook a 50-45 lead with 3 minutes left in the 3rd period.
Once again, the Golden Rams fought back to tie the game at 53-53 heading into the final 10 minutes of play and once again the Badgers responded by taking a 57-53 lead early in the 4th quarter. SHC kept the Rams at arm’s length for most of the quarter, staying 2 to 6 points ahead to hold a 69-64 lead with 12 seconds remaining. Sophomore guard Zareia Ector of Memphis, Tenn. came away with a crucial offensive rebound off a missed free throw to run 10 seconds off the clock before ASU found a final jumper as time expired.
The Badgers shot 41.9% (26-62) in the game, including 27.3% (6-22) from beyond the 3-point arc, but lost 15 turnovers to 8 steals by the Golden Rams. Spring Hill completed just 55% (11-20) of their free throws and dominating the rebounding with a 55-40 advantage.
Senior forward Tiffany Valentine of Houston, Texas had 27 points with 9 rebounds while senior guard Elise Reilly of Covington, Ala. scored 12 points to earn her spot in the Badgers “1,000 Career Points Club.” Junior guard Cassidy McDaniel of Crossville, Ala. added 11 points to the Badgers cause. Junior forward Katie Krout of Tuscaloosa, Ala. had 13 rebounds and 9 rebounds.
Alexandria James of ASU had 22 points as three Golden Rams scored in double digits. Albany State shot 37.1% (23-62) from the field, including 18.2% (4-22) from 3-point range. The Golden Rams scored on 57.1% (16-28) of their free throws and lost 7 turnovers to 5 steals by Spring Hill.
The Badgers (2-5, 1-0 SIAC West) will next visit Hattiesburg, Miss. on Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m. to take on non-conference rival the William Carey University (WCU) Lady Crusaders (1-2) at Clinton Gymnasium.
