Salem Basketball hosted Greensboro College in a tight matchup today, with the Pride ultimately prevailing 76-68.

The contest started out with a bang, with both sides coming out swinging. Greensboro opened with an and-one, which was soon answered by Nicole Hester. The Spirits got the score within one thanks to Catherine Jordan Cano. 30 seconds later, Amy Pedroza snagged a steal and capitalized on the fast break to take the lead. Salem grew their lead for the next few minutes, getting as large as six points. Part of the Spirit's success in the quarter was second chance points from offensive rebounds. Salem held their lead until the final minute, where a strong sequence from the Pride gave them a three point lead heading into the second frame. 

The Spirits pulled momentum back in their direction right away in the second quarter thanks to an early three from Jordan Cano. After a stop on defense, Hester created another scoring opportunity from an offensive rebound, resulting in an and-one. Cristina Battistini and Anayah Noell also got on the board this quarter, helping the Spirits hold their lead for the first four minutes of the quarter. With six minutes left, the Pride hit their stride, regaining the upper hand. By the end of the half, Greensboro had secured the biggest deficit of the contest with a 13-point lead. 

Salem came into quarter three determined to make adjustments, proven by two early buckets from Noell. Six points in the paint from Hester, Jordan Cano, and Lauren Ringwood brought it back to a three-score game. The two squads traded points for the next few minutes, with the Pride holding a strong lead. Despite not making much of a dent in the Greensboro lead, the Spirits were getting it done on defense, racking up an impressive seven steals in ten minutes. Ringwood ended the quarter on a high note, nailing a three with 14 seconds left. 

Both teams played solid defense to start out the final frame, not allowing points for the first two minutes. Hester broke the streak, capitalizing on another offensive rebound. The Spirits flipped a switch soon after, going on a nine point run and taking a two point lead. Triana Smallwood, Battistini, and Jordan Cano all found points in the paint, while Pedroza hit a clutch three. Despite a strong comeback, three straight three-pointers from the Pride in the final three minutes created too large of a lead to remedy. 

Tonight's stat leaders were Nicole Hester with 16 points and a whopping 24 rebounds; Amy Pedroza with four steals and seven assists; and Tyla Whitehead with one block. Pedroza's 10 points and 11 rebounds earned her a double double alongside Hester.

The Spirits will next be in action on Wednesday February 11th when they travel to Southern Virginia.