The final week of the regular season for SLIAC Women's Basketball has arrived and just one spot remains open in the tournament field. This week will decide whether it is Eureka College or Spalding University taking that final spot in the 2023 SLIAC Tournament. The two teams will meet on the final day of the regular season, Saturday, in Louisville, Ky.
Overall Record: 6-17
SLIAC Record: 3-9
SLIAC Standings: T6th
Eureka begins the week with a three-game losing streak but still has a chance to secure a spot in the tournament. The Red Devils are averaging 67.4 points per game, allowing 75.3 per game. They are first in the league in free throws made and attempted and are -3.3 in rebound margin per game. The Red Devils are shooting 39 percent from the field and average 5.0 threes per game. Eureka will host Principia on Tuesday night before heading to Spalding on Saturday.
Sydney Hannam leads the team at 19.4 points per game. The guard is 3rd in the league with 41 threes and 1st in free throws made with 123. She has topped 20 points 12 times this season. Abby Stotler (10.5 ppg) and Shakaya Rogers (10.0 ppg) are secondary scoring options. Josie Ness is putting up 5.5 points and a team high 7.2 rebounds per game.
Overall Record: 6-17
SLIAC Record: 3-9
SLIAC Standings: T6th
Spalding is making a late push for the playoffs, winning two of its last three games including a win over Westminster last Saturday. They are averaging 64.1 points per game, allowing 71.9 per game. The Golden Eagles are shooting 38 percent from the field and average 5.9 threes per game and are the top three-point shooting team in the league. Spalding hosts Greenville on Wednesday before the regular season finale on Saturday.
Natalie Fichter and Jacie Chesser are the team's go-to players. Fichter is averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while leading the team in steals. Chesser is averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. Kailey Reed leads the team with 65 assists and is 2nd with 33 steals.
The Series: Spalding leads the all-time series 16-13 although the Red Devils have won the last four meetings. Eureka won the first matchup this season 81-73 thanks to a 22-point effort in the final quarter. The Red Devils forced 26 turnovers in the game and were led by the duo of Sydney Hannam (29 points) and Shakaya Rogers (23 points). Spalding's Jacie Chesser put up 26 points in the game.