Four Reach Double Figures as Men's Basketball Falls at Monmouth

MONMOUTH, IL -- The Blackburn College Men's Basketball team had four players score double figures, but the Beavers were unable to capture victory as they fell to Monmouth College 79-70 in nonconference action. 

Pacing the BC squad was sophomore Cayden Paquette, who led the team with 19 points, finishing 6-9 from the field and 4-5 from the three-point line. He also added eight rebounds. Sophomore Cameron Johnson added 15 points with sophomore Darius Duff chipping in with 13 points. Senior Izayah Talmadge notched a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. 

The game started with the teams trading baskets early, but Monmouth was able to eventually pull ahead 24-13. The Beavers responded with a 14-2 run to take a 27-26 lead with 4:29 left in the half. Duff got the rally stared with back to back baskets and a free throw before a three from freshman Ayden Kanallakan and two from Paquette.

Unfortunately, the hosts were able to rebound and take back a 32-29 lead with a minute left. Duff ended the first half scoring with a jumper to send the game to halftime with Monmouth leading 32-31. 

In the second half, the hosts scored twice but Johnson hit three straight threes and Talmadge added a jumper to give BC a 42-36 lead less than four minutes into the half. After a timeout, Monmouth managed a 11-4 run to take a 47-46 lead. Sophomore Tyson Johnson stopped the rally with a three to make it 49-47 with 12 minutes to go. Unfortunately, Monmouth managed to eventually pull ahead to a 64-55 lead with 5:12 remaining which proved too much to overcome. Blackburn attempted to foul to stop the clock and give them chances in the final minute but the hosts knocked in free throws to capture the 79-70 victory. 

Blackburn falls to 1-4 on the season while Monmouth improves to 2-3. The Beavers return to action Saturday, December 2 as they host Eureka College to open St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.