Box Score Spring Arbor, MI - The Spring Arbor women's basketball team got to celebrate twice today: First for their seniors and then second for defeating The University of St. Francis by a score of 87-82.
 
Junior Alize Tripp started the game off hot for the Cougars, connecting on her first 3 triple tries, scoring 11 of the Cougars first 13 points. Both teams shot the ball extremely well, shooting over 50% from the floor. Spring Arbor headed into half with a 42-41 advantage.
 
In the third quarter, each team began building leads, but neither were able to lead by more than six. Daelynn Jackson knocked in back to back threes with under two minutes to go to tie the game at 64, but St. Francis responded with a three themselves to take a three point advantage into the decisive fourth quarter.
 
Things remained consistent for much of the fourth, as the Cougars were unable to take the lead from St. Francis. The Cougars finally took back the lead after an Alex Long basket at the 4:54 mark, which then sparked a 7-0 run and forced a St. Francis timeout. St. Francis cut their deficit to one point with 1:05 remaining, but Alana Nelson responded by hitting the biggest shot of the night, a top of the key three-pointer with the shot clock winding down to push the lead to four. St. Francis responded with a 3-pointer of their own, but Spring Arbor remained strong and finished the game with four consecutive makes from the free throw line, leading to their 87-82 victory.
 
The Basics:
Spring Arbor 87, St. Francis 82
Location: Spring Arbor, MI
Records: Spring Arbor 17-8 (7-8 CL), St. Francis 11-14 (7-8 CL)
 
Game Stats:
- Alana Nelson led the way for the Cougars by scoring 29 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
- Alize Tripp was a catalyst for the Cougars hot hand all game, as she scored 19 points on 5/7 shooting from three.
- Alex Long and Daelynn Jackson also provided sparks for the Cougars, with Jackson scoring 9 and Long adding 12.
- The Cougars shot a blistering 57% from both the field and behind the three point line. Their 12 three point makes are their second most in a game on the season.
- Spring Arbor had the advantage on the day in both the rebounding and assist departments. Out rebounding St. Francis 33-21 and dishing out 17 assists to their 12.
- St. Francis was led by Cassidy Crawford, who scored 24 in the game.
 
Next Up: Spring Arbor will host #6 Marian University next Wednesday at 7pm.