Ava Johnson scores 20 points in Griffins 3-point loss to Eureka

St. Louis- The Fontbonne University women's basketball team fell tonight to Eureka College in a fan-packed Dunham Student Activity Center. The Griffins fall to 1-2 in conference play and 2-10 overall while the Red Devils snap their 3-game losing streak by gaining their second conference win (2-2 SLIAC, 6-5 overall).

The first half was back and forth, with Eureka's Caty Eeten getting into foul trouble early. Eureka led at the half 39-32. Eureka stepped up their defense with full-court pressure after talking things over in the locker room and built a 10-point lead (45-35) just 2 minutes into the second half.

With 12 seconds to go, Griffins down by one, junior Ava Johnson goes up for the jump shot and is fouled by Red Devil Jaylynn Stewart. Johnson sinks both free shots to give the Griffins the one-point lead.

Griffin Nicole Joerger  fouled with 11 seconds remaining to allow Eeten to step to the line for the Red Devils. Eeten sunk both free throws to end the game.

A. Johnson ended the night tying her career-high 20-point night shooting 7-8 in the field, drained both of her shots from behind the arc, and sunk all four baskets from the line. A. Johnson has shot 12-16 field goals in her last two games. Freshman Samantha Voegtle tallied 17 points and 9 rebounds and senior Hillary Johnson contributed 11 points for the Griffins.

Kelsey Shoemake recorded a game-high 21 points on the night (15 from the 1^st half) while also bringing in 14 rebounds. Fellow Red Devil Kiley Bugaieski connected on 4 3-pointers to give her 17 points off the bench. Stewart also helped Eureka offensively, raking in 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Fontbonne hosts Principia College Thursday at 6pm.