The Blackburn Beavers Mens Basketball Team dropped their first game of the season by the score of 90-72 on Saturday to Carroll University in the championship game of the Tip-Off Classic.

 Despite the Beavers tremendous 70% shooting from the field in the first half, they still trailed 43-40. The Pioneers excelled from beyond the arch hitting 5-12 in the first half.

 The Beavers fought continuously in the 2nd half but could not come up with consecutive stops that were needed to bring them back in the game. Senior DeAndre Manuel led the Beavers with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Tanner Zaeske of Carroll University led the game with 27 points including 5 three pointers.

 When asked about the Beavers performance, Coach Steve Kollar said “We shot the ball extremely well and we competed, but we just couldn’t come up with the crucial stops that were needed” He also added “We have a long way to go but we have the chance to be very good and I truly believe that”.

 The Beavers are back in action on Tuesday as they travel to the University of Illinois-Springfield to take on the Prairie Stars at 7:30pm.