SAU Women’s Team Upsets Ranked Opp.

(Photo: Courtesy of Spring Arbor University Athletics Website)

By, Christopher Bauman | November 21st, 2018

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Senior Rachel Nelson scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Spring Arbor University women’s basketball team to a 70-57 upset over No. 14 ranked University of Saint Francis on Tuesday night inside the McDonald Athletic Center.

Gracie Cabana scored seven first quarter points to help stake Spring Arbor to a 14-9 advantage after the first 10 minutes, and the Cougars would never surrender that lead. Saint Francis trailed 26-21 with three minutes to go in the second quarter before SAU closed out the period on a 9-2 run, including a big three-pointer from Anne Marie Wright in the final minute off a USF turnover. Spring Arbor maintained its double-digit lead throughout the third quarter, leading by as many as 19, 51-32. The visitors made a late push in the fourth quarter, but Nelson helped secure the upset with 10 points over the final 10 minutes.

Nelson dropped 28 points hitting two three-pointers and going 14-for-16 from the free throw line. She also posted six rebounds and five steals. Wright added 17 points while Cabana followed with a season-high 16 going 7-for-12 from the field. Spring Arbor had one of its best shooting nights of the season hitting 44 percent (20-for-45) of its field goal attempts, including knocking down seven three’s. The Cougars also went 23-for-27 from the free throw line. SAU dominated the glass, out-rebounding Saint Francis 33-24.

Kara Gerka and Emma Applegate scored 15 points each for Saint Francis. The visitors shot 43 percent (21-for-49)  on the night, but just 3-for-17 from long range.

Spring Arbor hosts Alma College (3-2) on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m.

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