RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team had its six-game winning streak come to an end on Tuesday as the Cougars dropped a 79-72 decision at No. 8 Rio Grande on the second day of the Woods Lumber Classic.

Spring Arbor trailed by nine early in the second quarter, falling behind 25-16, but responded by clawing back to tie the game at 27-27 midway through the period. Rio Grande answered with a 12-2 run over the final five minutes of the half to take a 39-31 lead into halftime.

The Cougars continued to battle in the second half despite facing a double-digit deficit entering the fourth quarter. Spring Arbor chipped away and pulled within three, 73-70, with 1:47 remaining, but the home team sealed the win at the free throw line, going 6-for-8 down the stretch.

Megan Zeitz led SAU with a double-double, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds. Emma Smieska added 14 points, Ashley Weller scored 13, and Madison Sonsini finished with 10.

Spring Arbor connected on a season-high eight 3-pointers and went 8-for-13 at the charity stripe while Rio Grande made 20 free throws on 22 attempts.

The Cougars (12-2, 3-1 CL) return to Crossroads League action this weekend with a trip to Marion, Indiana on Saturday, Jan. 3 to take on Indiana Wesleyan University (8-6, 2-2 CL).