SPRING ARBOR, MI - Every coach talks about it; the "it" is fundamentals. When the basics break down, it makes it very
difficult to win. Rebounding and taking
care of the basketball are two of the big keys to winning basketball games. It was a breakdown of these two fundamentals
that kept Spring Arbor from defeating Taylor University despite leading 52-48
with just over five minutes, the Cougars would eventually fall to the Trojans
60-66.
"We actually played pretty well, and we battled hard tonight,"
said Head Coach Ryan Frost. "Megan
Bement was outstanding again for us, and Sarah Wellman played one of her best
games on the defensive end. We just have
to take care of the ball better in those critical moments of the game."
Angela Russell hit six of eight 3-point shots in the game
has she scored a game high 18 points. In
the first half alone, Russell had 15 points which was over half of the Cougars
28 first half points. Spring Arbor
trailed Taylor 30-28 at the break.
Bement added 11 points and Ashley Stelter chipped in 10
points.
With just over five minutes left on the clock and with
Spring Arbor leading by four points, the Cougars turned the ball over on three
straight possessions and Taylor took advantage of the Cougar mistakes and
scored 12 unanswered points and took the lead 58-52 and Spring Arbor would only
get to within four points of Taylor, but no closer as the Trojans would go on
to win the game.
Taylor outrebounded Spring Arbor 42-31.
The Cougars will remain home for a Saturday afternoon
matchup with Bethel College. Bethel is
ranked 11th in the NAIA with a record of 15-5, 7-2. Spring Arbor falls to 7-13, 3-6. Game time is set for 1:00
