NAMPA, Idaho – The Seattle Pacific University women's basketball team traveled to Idaho for the GNAC/RMAC Challenge, where they played Westminster in the first of their two-game weekend. The Falcons finished the game on a 16-0 run, but it wasn't enough to beat the Griffins.
FROM THE COACH
"Our freshmen really showed up for us with their energy and competitiveness," head coach
Karen Byers said. "
Grace Leasure was a solid leader on the court. It was not the game we wanted, but we look forward to competing tomorrow."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Madison Rubino found her rhythm at the end of the first quarter, scoring five consecutive points for the Falcons over a 4:38 span that drifted into the second quarter.
- SPU trailed by one before the Griffins turned to a 20-10 run during the second quarter.
- SPU struggled from the field, going 3-for-16 during that stretch.
- Layne Kearns led the squad with four points in that quarter, while Layla Senderson splashed home a 2-pointer.
- The Falcons trailed 30-19 at halftime.
- SPU had a short 7-0 run that helped them get back into the game at the start of the third quarter.
- Naomi Hotchkiss led the charge with four points, while Kearns converted a tough 3-point play.
- The run moved the score to 32-26 with 7:58 left in the third quarter.
- The middle 5:16 of the third quarter belonged to the Griffins, who went on a 19-3 run over the Falcons.
- The Falcons answered with another quick burst of offense, going on a 9-0 run near the end of the third quarter.
- SPU went 3-for-3 from the field during that span, led by three points from Haylie-Anne Ohta.
- A layup from Jadlyn Senderson to start the third quarter cut Westminster's lead to 13.
- A 17-4 run from the Griffins during the fourth quarter moved their lead to 70-44 with 4:27 left to play.
- The Falcons didn't quit, exploding for a 16-0 run over the final 4:13 of the game.
- Grace Mertes got involved, leading the offense with five points during that span.
- Grace Leasure followed close behind with four points for the Falcons during the run.
- The Griffins held on to take the game 70-60.
FROM THE BOX SCORE
- Kearns led the Falcons with 11 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
- Leasure scored eight points while grabbing seven rebounds for the Falcons.
- 10 Falcons scored at least one basket against the Griffins.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Kearns recorded her second double-double of the season for the Falcons.
- Her last double-double happened on Nov. 15th in a 64-61 win over then 17th-ranked Dominguez Hills.
UP NEXT
The Falcons close out the GNAC/RMAC Challenge tomorrow against 11th-ranked Colorado Mesa at 4:00 p.m. PST.
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