GOSHEN, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team's three-game winning streak came to an end after falling to No. 20 Goshen College 95-69 on Wednesday night at Gunden Gym.
The Cougars entered the contest looking for their second win over a Top 25 ranked team in as many tries, but were unable to slow down the red-hot Maple Leafs (17-6, 9-2 CL), who have now won six of their last seven and sit in second place in the Crossroads League standings.
Goshen, the league's top scoring team, jumped out to a quick nine-point lead in the first quarter, but a late 9-2 run by SAU – capped with a three-pointer from junior Aimee Konkel – trimmed the deficit to two, 19-17.
Clinging to a three-point lead early in the second period, the Maple Leafs used a 10-2 run to extend their advantage to double digits. The Cougars had trouble containing GC's Gabby Williams and Jo'Mani Thomas, who combined for 10 points in the quarter. The Maple Leafs grabbed their largest lead of the half at 47-29 following a barrage of three-pointers, but the Cougars managed to close the gap to 13, 49-36, at halftime.
In the third period, Goshen turned to Williams and Thomas again as the duo would score the first 10 points for the Maple Leafs, and the home team would never look back.
Goshen finished the night shooting a scorching 64 percent (39-for-61) from the field compared to Spring Arbor's 38 percent (26-for-69). The Leafs did most of their damage down low, outscoring the Cougars 42-22 in the paint.
Junior Kylie Townsley and sophomore Faith Johnson led the way for SAU with 17 points apiece while Townsley also added five rebounds and two steals. Freshman Rachel Nelson followed with nine points and four boards. Junior Rachel Driesenga hauled in a team-high seven rebounds to go along with four points and a block.
Spring Arbor (12-11, 4-7 CL) will return home to host No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan University (18-5, 7-4 CL) in its Pink Out game on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to help raise awareness for the fight against cancer. All proceeds from the game, including ticket sales, will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Women's Basketball Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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