Eureka Dominates Spalding to Advance to SLIAC Semifinals

Eureka, Ill. – The Eureka women's basketball team secured a dominant 84-54 victory over Spalding on Tuesday in the SLIAC tournament quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2021.

Eureka and Spalding battled evenly in the first quarter, ending the frame tied at 16-16. The Red Devils struck first with Miya Webb (Indianapolis, Ind./Brownsburg) scoring a layup just seven seconds into the game off an assist from Sierra Garcia-Reisch (Las Animas, Colo./La Junta). Maxine Najera (Riverside, Calif./Hillcrest) extended the lead with a layup at 8:37, prompting a Spalding timeout. The Golden Eagles responded with a three-pointer from Nicole Hollowell at 7:22, and the teams exchanged leads before Maelyn Ridener's late three-pointer tied it up.

Eureka took control in the second quarter, outscoring Spalding 19-9. Webb ignited the run with a jumper at 9:25, followed by Najera capitalizing on an offensive rebound for another layup. Despite Spalding's free throws, Eureka's defense forced key turnovers. Webb closed the half with a three-pointer in the final seconds, giving the Red Devils a 35-25 lead at the break.

In the third quarter, Spalding's Ma'Kaylia Lute opened with a jumper, but Webb answered with a layup seconds later. The Red Devils ramped up their defense, with steals from Allannah Jackson (Peoria, Ill./Peoria) and Garcia-Reisch. Najera's three-pointer at 7:22 extended the lead, and an 11-0 run widened the margin to 19 points. Spalding struggled offensively, scoring 12 of their 16 points from the free-throw line, as Eureka carried a 55-41 advantage into the final quarter.

Eureka sealed the win with a dominant fourth quarter. Despite an early turnover, Garcia-Reisch quickly recovered with a steal. Lute momentarily cut into the deficit with a three-pointer at 9:01, but Eureka responded with a jumper from Josie Ness (Sandwich, Ill./Sandwich) and a Najera three-pointer. Spalding's turnovers continued to mount, and the Red Devils capitalized on free throws and second-chance opportunities to secure the decisive win by a final score of 84-54. The 30-point margin marked the second-largest victory in program history in a conference tournament game.

GAME NOTES

• Miya Webb tied for the team-high in points with 17, shooting 6-for-14, and added two steals and two assists.
• Maxine Najera also recorded 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds for her third double double of the season.
• Sierra Garcia-Reisch secured 11 rebounds (seven offensive) and tallied four steals.
• Allannah Jackson dished out six assists and led the team with seven steals.
• Josie Ness contributed 13 points, shooting 6-for-10, with three blocks.

UP NEXT

Eureka will face Webster in the SLIAC tournament semifinals on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m. in Fulton, Mo. The Red Devils aim to advance to their first conference championship game since 2017 after dropping both regular season meetings against Webster.