EUREKA, Ill. – The Franklin women's basketball team wrapped up non-conference play on Wednesday (Dec. 28) afternoon, taking on the Red Devils of Eureka College.
 
Junior CiCi Bailey recorded her first double-double of the year and was one of three Grizzlies (5-5) in double figures on the day. But turnovers proved costly all afternoon, with Eureka (3-8) winning the turnover battle and the game, 78-68.
 
How it Happened
The opening period saw the two teams exchange five leads before a 7-2 run from the Red Devils closed out the quarter to give the hosts a 21-15 lead through 10 minutes. The second quarter saw the two teams attempt a combined 24 free throws but a 10-3 Eureka run would stretch the lead to double figures for the first time and the hosts took a 39-31 lead into the break.
 
Eureka's lead grew to a game-high 16 points in the third quarter but Franklin began to mount a rally early in the fourth quarter, getting the lead don to five at 56-51 with 7:21 to go after a pair of free throws from Lauryn Bates. It was as close as the Grizzlies would get as Eureka answered with an 11-2 run to put the game out of reach.
 
Inside the Box Score
-Bates topped the Grizzlies with 15 points, matching her season-high after going 3-for-4 from the field and 9-for-13 from the line.
-Bailey had 12 points and 13 rebounds while adding three assists and swatting two shots.
-Sarah O'Day had 11 points, seven rebounds and a team-high four assists.
-Franklin shot 40.4% (23-for-57) from the field while holding the Red Devils to 38.1% (24-for-63) from the floor.
-Rebounds were 43-39 in the Grizzlies' favor.
-Eureka forced 31 Franklin turnovers, turning those into 27 points to 12 points off 20 turnovers forced by Franklin.
 
Up Next
The Grizzlies resume conference play on Saturday (Dec. 31) afternoon, hosting the Earlham Quakers on New Year's Eve. Tip-off from the Spurlock Center is set for 1:00 p.m.