SLIAC Game of the Week - Eureka at Spalding
This week's SLIAC Game of the Week features two teams that have made each of the last two women's basketball conference tournaments and are looking to head into the New Year on the right track to another tournament appearance; Eureka College at Spalding University.
At a
Glance
On Saturday, December 20 Spalding University will play host to
Eureka College in a SLIAC women's basketball contest. Spalding will
enter the game with a 4-3 overall record and are just one of two
undefeated teams in conference play with a 2-0 mark. Eureka College
begins the week with a 3-3 overall record and are 1-1 in the SLIAC.
Game time is set for 12 p.m. and you can watch the game live on
video HERE
About
Eureka
Eureka is currently 3-3 on the season and are coming off a 76-55
win over Fontbonne last Friday. Eureka will host Monmouth on
Wednesday night and will be looking for their first back to back
wins of the season. The Red Devils are averaging 73.5 points per
game, which ranks first in the SLIAC. Eureka has been strong on the
boards this year, ranking first in the SLIAC in rebounds, while
also having success behind the arc with 8.0 three's made per
game.
The duo of Kelsey Shoemake and Emily Camden are the strength of the team. Shoemake, a senior forward, leads the team in scoring (18.8 ppg) and rebounding (13.2 rpg). Shoemake, a Second Team All-Conference performer last year, is shooting 48.9 percent from the field and ranks second in the league in scoring, rebounding, and blocks this season. Camden, a junior guard, is averaging 17.8 points per game and is one of the top shooters in the league; ranking second in three-pointers with 19 and third in free-throw percentage.
About
Spalding
Spalding enters the game 4-3 overall and are coming off a 67-43
loss to #14 ranked DePauw last Tuesday. The Golden Eagles will have
had 11 days off between games when they step on the court against
Eureka on Saturday. Spalding stands undefeated in SLIAC play with
wins over Greenville and MacMurray and were the 2014-15 SLIAC
Preseason favorites in the coaches poll. Spalding is averaging 62.6
points per game this season but are the league's top defensive
team, allowing just 56.0 points per game. They have a high pressure
defense that is forcing a league high 13.0 turnovers per game and
are also the top rebounding margin team in the league.
The Golden Eagles are led by the athletic forward combination of senior Jessica Guy and freshman Kayla Styles. Guy, a First Team All-Conference player and the SLIAC Tournament MVP, is averaging 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season. Styles, a transfer, leads the team in scoring at 14.6 points per game while averaging 9.4 rebounds per game. The duo have also combined to average 3.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game.
Game Notes
- Spalding leads the all-time series against Eureka 7-3, sweeping last season's series.
- Eureka is the only team in the league with multiple players ranking in the top five of the league in scoring. Kelsey Shoemake is second while Emily Camden ranks third.
- It will be a battle on the boards Saturday as Kelsey Shoemake (Eureka) ranks second in the league in rebounding while Jessica Guy and Kayla Styles of Spalding rank fourth and fifth in the league.
- Eureka has made three consecutive SLIAC Tournament apperances, their only three trips.
- Spalding has made two straight SLIAC Tournament appearances, their only trips to the post-season.
