On February 14th, the Blackburn Beavers Men's basketball team won in a tightly contested game against the Spalding University Golden Eagles by a final score of 73-59. The Beavers got off to a quick start from Bryson Kirby who opened the game up with five points in less than 30 seconds. The Golden Eagles quickly responded and tied the game up at 10 apiece with 16 minutes left in the second half. Both teams then hit a cold streak as no points were scored in the next four and a half minutes. The game went back and worth for a majority of the rest of the first half until the Beavers pulled away late near the end of the first half with a pair of three pointers from guard, Karson Hayes. The Beavers led at halftime by a score of 36-28.
In the second half, it was Blackburn's defense that seemed relentless. Running a full court press, the Beavers were able to control the tempo of the game in their favor as the Golden Eagles seemed to be wore down. With 11:09 left in the game, the Golden Eagles found themselves ahead just 52-51. The game went back and forth until, with about 4:30 remaining in the game, the Beavers went on an 11-0 run to close out the game. Blackburn did not give up a basket in the remaining 6:09 of the game. Final score in Dawes Gymnasium was 73-59.
Scoring in double figures for the Beavers was Raushaun Amos with 18 points, Karson Hayes with 17, and Bryson Kirby with 15. Hayes, Kirby, and Duncan King each added two assists in the ball game, while Jamaya Wyatt grabbed a team high six rebounds.
Leading the Golden Eagles was Dominique Ellis who scored a team high 19 points. While Troy Amanor grabbed a team high and game high 12 rebounds, and Brendan Holt added three assists.
In what might be the biggest game of the year, the Beavers tied for fourth in the conference standings, they look for their final push at a shot in the conference tournament on Saturday against the Principia College Panthers. Tip off is set for 3 pm.