Eureka Rolls Past Spalding 72-56, Extends Win Streak to Three

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka women's basketball team secured a statement win on Thursday, defeating Spalding 72-56 at home and extending their winning streak to three games.

Eureka got off to a slow start, as Spalding took an early lead. Sydney Raque opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by another from Nicole Hollowell to put the Golden Eagles ahead. The Red Devils responded with a layup and free throw from Sierra Garcia-Reisch (Las Animas, Colo./La Junta), but Spalding maintained control, closing the first quarter with a 21-12 advantage.

In the second quarter, Eureka found their rhythm. Elena Redgate (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) got things started with a layup assisted by Maxine Najera (Riverside, Calif./Hillcrest), and a three-pointer from Garcia-Reisch helped trim the deficit. The Red Devils' defense tightened, forcing Spalding into a scoring drought, while consistent scoring from Garcia-Reisch and key rebounds helped Eureka take control. A late surge pushed the Red Devils ahead, giving them a 32-29 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams battle back and forth. Miya Webb (Indianapolis, Ind./Brownsburg) made an impact with two early free throws and a jumper, while Spalding's Sydney Raque countered with a layup and three-pointer to tie the game at 45-45. After a fast-break layup from Zaneiya Batiste momentarily put Spalding back in front, Webb responded with two free throws, and Allannah Jackson (Peoria, Ill./Peoria) closed the quarter with back-to-back layups to give Eureka a 55-49 advantage.

The Red Devils dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Spalding 17-7. Redgate set the tone with a layup, assisted by Webb, and Eureka went on a decisive 12-0 run to turn a tight contest into a double-digit lead. The Golden Eagles struggled offensively, hitting just 2 of 14 shots and committing four turnovers. Webb sank a three-pointer and added two free throws, while Alyssa Abascal (El Paso, Texas/El Dorado) and Jackson capitalized on fast-break opportunities to secure the win.

GAME NOTES

• With this win, Eureka extends its winning streak to three games and improves to 12-8 on the season.
• This win moves Eureka into a tie for 3^rd place in the SLIAC with Principia and Greenville.
• Miya Webb delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals while making 9-of-10 free throws.
• Elena Redgate posted a career-high 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting and recorded 3 steals.
• Sierra Garcia-Reisch added 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and played a crucial role in the Red Devils' comeback.
• Allannah Jackson was a key defensive presence, notching 2 steals and contributing 10 points.

UP NEXT

The Red Devils will travel to St. Louis, to face Webster on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. Eureka will look to avenge their earlier 70-59 loss against Webster, who currently sits tied for first place in the SLIAC standings.