MOBILE, Ala. — The Spring Hill Women's basketball team closed strong in the fourth quarter but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 69–59 in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference loss to the Benedict College Tigers on Wednesday evening at the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center.
Spring Hill (7-18, 5-17 SIAC) trailed by double digits entering the fourth before a late push cut the margin to single digits, but Benedict (15-8, 15-8 SIAC) held on down the stretch.
Madison Dowling led the Badgers with 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Jenice Adjessom added 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Ghylissa Knowles contributed 11 points off the bench.
Rapid Recap:
Spring Hill battled early and briefly took the lead midway through the quarter as Dowling converted a three-point play and added a fast-break layup to spark a 7-0 run. A three-pointer from
Laurie Severe also pushed the Badgers ahead, but Benedict answered with a late surge in transition to take a 22-14 lead after one.
Dowling and Adjessom provided interior scoring to keep Spring Hill within striking distance, with Adjessom knocking down a key three-pointer and Dowling finishing inside off an assist. The Badgers cut the deficit to seven midway through the period, but Benedict used perimeter shooting and second-chance points to extend its lead to 37-24 before halftime. Spring Hill trailed 37-24 at the break.
Spring Hill looked to rally behind Dowling; however, Benedict used a strong shooting stretch to push the lead past 20 midway through the quarter. Adjessom added a jumper and late free throws as the Badgers continued to fight, though they entered the fourth quarter trailing 54-35.
The Badgers mounted their strongest push in the final period, outscoring Benedict 24-15. Dowling led the charge with several baskets and free throws, while
Jordan Bowden and Severe added key scoring plays. Spring Hill trimmed the deficit to eight with just over a minute remaining, but Benedict converted late free throws to seal the 69-59 final.
Notes and Numbers:
- Dowling finished with a game-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting and 7-of-7 from the line.
- Adjessom recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
- Knowles added 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
- Spring Hill shot 86.4 percent (19-of-22) from the free-throw line.
- SHC outscored Benedict 24-15 in the fourth quarter.
Up Next:
The Badgers wrap the regular season at home Saturday at 2 p.m. against Allen University.
