Spalding Pulls Away After Halftime to Defeat Eureka

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka women's basketball team returned home on Thursday night for a SLIAC matchup against Spalding. After battling through a competitive first half, Eureka was unable to keep pace as Spalding pulled away after the break, handing the Red Devils a 65-35 loss. 

Spalding established control early behind strong interior play from Nicole Hollowell and Zaneiya Batiste, who combined for multiple second-chance baskets during a 13-0 opening run. Eureka found points late through Courtney Hart (Lancaster, Calif./Yosemite) inside and free throws from Brooklyn Bowman (Washington, Ill./Washington), but turnovers allowed Spalding to maintain a 17-7 advantage after one. 

Eureka showed improved offensive flow in the second quarter, with Hart continuing to score in the paint and Abigail Martinez (Los Alamos, N.M./Los Alamos) knocking down key jumpers to cut the deficit. Kayla Collins (Fort Worth, Texas/Fort Worth Christian) also added a fast-break layup off a turnover, briefly bringing the Red Devils within seven. Spalding answered with timely scoring from Hollowell and Ma'Kaylia Lute to take a 32-21 lead into halftime. 

Spalding pulled away coming out of the break as Anastasia Dowlen and Deonte'nae Neal sparked a transition-heavy stretch that pushed the lead past 20. Eureka responded late with back-to-back three-pointers from Collins and Railynn Brown (Erlanger, Ky./Lloyd Memorial), but Spalding still held a commanding 51-32 edge entering the fourth. 

Hollowell capped a strong performance with early buckets and a three-pointer, while Kennedy Brown added a late second-chance three to seal the outcome for Spalding. Eureka continued to battle on the glass, highlighted by a late putback from Collins, but the Golden Eagles' depth and defensive pressure secured the 65-35 final. 

Courtney Hart finished with eight points while also pulling down nine rebounds. Kayla Collins added a team-high 12 points and six rebounds, and Abigail Martinez chipped in four points off the bench.

UP NEXT

The Red Devils will prepare to host Greenville in a SLIAC matchup for the first time this season. Tipoff is set for Monday at 5:30 p.m.