Men's Basketball Drops Nonconference Contest with Loras

CARLINVILLE, IL -- Blackburn College Men's Basketball hosted Loras College in their final game before break but fell to Loras 77-63 in nonconference action. 

The Beavers were led by senior Izayah Talmadge, who tallied 19 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Darius Duff tallied 16 points while freshman Odis Grissom added 11 points. Sophomore Tyson Johnson posted four a team best four assists while senior Zach Kelsey chipped in with two blocks. Sophomore Cayden Paquette finished the day with a team-high six rebounds. 

Talmadge got the game started with a three-pointer and then Duff hit a jumper to answer two baskets from Loras to make the game 5-4 two minutes in. After two more baskets from the visitors, sophomore Cameron Johnson scored five straight points to give Blackburn a 10-8 lead with 15:24 on the clock. The Duhawks responded with a run and took a 32-17 advantage with nine minutes remaining in the first half. The Beavers rallied to come within 35-25, but Loras managed to rebound and took a 47-32 lead into the break. 

The second half started with a Talmadge layup. However the Duhawks managed to eventually pull ahead 63-41 with less than 12 minutes remaining in the game. At this point, Blackburn began to chip away, with Duff getting a dunk followed by a Grissom layup and Talmadge free throw. After a Loras basketball, Grissom hit a three and two free throws followed by a Talmadge layup to make it 65-53 at the 6:19 mark. The guests responded with a free throw and layup, but two free throws and a layup by Talmadge, and a Duff jumper put the Beavers withing 69-59 with four minutes to go in the game. Unfortunately, Blackburn would be unable to get closer and the Duhawks captured a 77-63 victory. 

Blackburn falls to 4-6 over all while Loras improves to 8-1 on the year. The Beavers will enjoy a few days off for break and will return action on Saturday, December 30 to host Grinell University.