Salem Basketball hosted Pfeiffer in a Valentine's Day tilt, with Pfeiffer ultimately prevailing 68-44.
The contest got off to a competitive start, with only two points separating the two squads by the end of quarter one. The Falcons put up an early six points, but the Spirits were never far behind Lauren Ringwood and Amy Pedroza both had answers, keeping it a one-score game. The tide started to turn after an offensive rebound resulted in an and-one opportunity for Nicole Hester. The lead got up to five thanks to Tyla Whitehead and Triana Smallwood. PU found a few more buckets before the end of the quarter, but a jumper from Pedroza kept the Spirits on top.
The Falcons tied it up early in the second frame, but two great passes to Cristina Battistini from Hester and Pedroza pushed Salem ahead by four. A well-timed layup and three pointer from PU pulled momentum back towards the Falcons, who grabbed the lead and didn't let it go. The Spirits struggled offensively for the remainder of the quarter, but were able to snag 10 rebounds. Hester was able to knock down one final shot before heading into halftime, holding on to a two-score deficit.
Salem kept the game competitive early into the third quarter, scoring at the line, in the paint, and outside the arc. Despite a strong start, the Falcons continued to grow their lead, holding off the Spirits for six minutes. Pedroza scored a layup and two free throws to close out the quarter, Pfeiffer up by 10.
Pedroza opened up the scoring in the final frame, nailing a three just under two minutes in. Salem went on another scoring drought in the next few minutes, but found their offense again soon after. The Falcons and Spirits traded shots in the sixth minute, with 13 points being scored in about a minute and a half. Catherine Jordan Cano contributed four of those, while Battistini snagged a bucket of her own. Ringwood and Whitehead both scored in the paint before the conclusion of the contest, but the PU lead was too large. Ultimately, the Falcons took home a 68-44 win.
Today's stat leaders were Amy Pedroza with 14 points, Lauren Ringwood with three steals, Cristina Battistini with six rebounds, and both Pedroza and Hester with two assists.
The Spirits will play their final home game and honor their two seniors on Tuesday February 17th at 6pm against Meredith.
