Beavers Lose Conference Opener to Eureka

Blackburn Men's Basketball lost their conference opener to the visiting Eureka Red Devils. The game took place on December 4th, 2019, at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois.

The Beavers recognized senior guard Karson Hayes prior to the game, as he reached a milestone for scoring his 1,000th career point in their previous match against St. Louis Pharmacy. Hayes joins the list of only 22 players in Blackburn history to have over 1,000 points.

Hayes also tallied 15 points for the Beavers tonight. He trailed Nigel Ferrel, who led the team with 17 total points. The Beavers were 40% on field goals, and 30% on three-pointers. Guard Chanz Aldridge also tallied double digit points, scoring thirteen. Christian Wagner followed close behind with eleven of his own. In addition, Wagner was a perfect 4-4 on field goals and 3-3 on three-pointers. Defensively, the Beavers were hot, with multiple players tallying two steals. Javon Stovall had two blocks, and a steal of his own. 

The Red Devils pulled away late in the game after a comeback by the Beavers early in the second half. Out of the 91 points scored by the Red Devils, Austin Juergens led with 25 total. Dakota Bennington followed close behind with 23. Bennington and Juergens were the only players for the Red Devils to tally over 20 points. Eureka shot 40% on field goals, and 47% on three-pointers. They outrebounded Blackburn 48-37, which allowed their offense to continue laying down points.

After this loss, the Beavers now have an overall record of 1-4, and 0-1 in the SLIAC. Their next matchup will be against Fontbonne University. The game will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. It will be held at Fontbonne University.