PHOTOS

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Two runs to open both halves propelled Manchester to a 69-64 victory over the Earlham College women's basketball team in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play on Saturday.

The Spartans (4-7, 2-2 HCAC) went on a 10-2 run midway through the first quarter and opened the second half on a 10-0 run. The Quakers, who trailed by as many as 23 points in the second half, ended the third quarter on a 14-0 run of their own.

Earlham's run came when it trailed 55-33 with 3:51 to play in the third quarter. The Quakers forced Manchester into five turnovers during the 6:29 that the Spartans were held scoreless. Senior Kasin Spay scored two over her 16 points to get the Quakers within eight points at 57-49, but Katie Arterburn ended the Spartan drought with two of her game-high 25 points on a jumper at the free throw line.

Manchester got its lead back up to 15 points before the Quakers made their final push midway through the fourth quarter. Junior Maya Luney hit a jumper with seven seconds to get Earlham within five points, but that proved to be the final basket of the contest.

In the final 16:33, Earlham outscored Manchester 37-19.

Earlham's two seniors, Spay and Kiara Scott, led the charge offensively with 16 and 15 points respectively. Junior Mariah Flynn also finished in double figures with 11 points.

Samantha Bolen joined Arterburn as the other Spartan to finish in double figures in scoring with 13 points.

Freshman Rachel Wilkins added eight points on a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. The Oakland City, Ind., native also led the Quakers in rebounds, grabbing seven boards. Freshman Raven Thibodeaux provided 16 minutes off of the bench and grabbed three steals, two rounds, and blocked one shot.

Both teams shot over 40 percent from the field. Earlham hit two more field goals than Manchester, but the Spartans held an edge from distance, connecting on 7-12 triples. The Quakers hit just two three-pointers. Both teams also dished out 13 assists, but Earlham forced Manchester into 25 turnovers while committing 17 as a team.

Earlham hits the road for its next two contests, at Transylvania on Jan. 6 and at Hanover on Jan. 9.