ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Neumann University women's basketball team dropped a 62-56 decision to Spalding University at the St. Pete Classic on Friday evening.

AAliya Hayes scored 11 points to lead the Knights. JoHanna Metzger added 10 points and 15 rebounds.

The teams battled in the first quarter and were tied at 11 after the first 10 minutes. The Knights opened the second quarter with a 13-3 run to take a 24-14 lead. The Golden Eagles answered with a 10-3 run of their own for a 27-24 score with 2:29 left in the half. Alex Fernandez netted the only basket before halftime and Neumann took a 29-24 advantage at the break.

Sarah Roberts came out of halftime and hit a three-pointer for a 32-24 lead. With 2:35 left in the third quarter, Spalding had made its way back and tied the game at 37. The teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter and went into the final 10 minutes knotted at 44.

The Knights' last lead came with 3:54 left in regulation, 54-51. The Golden Eagles then hit a three to tie the game at 54 and would go onto score seven more points, a 10-0 run, for a seven point advantage. The sixth and seventh point came on free throws with 45 seconds remaining to seal the comeback win for Spalding.

Neumann (3-5) will face Westminster (Mo.) in the second day of the St. Pete Classic on Saturday evening. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 PM.