Beavers Fall in Second Exhibition Game of the Season

Beavers Fall in Second Exhibition Game of the Season

The Beavers shot an impressive 18 of 40 (45.0%) shots from 3-point range but it would not be enough as Blackburn would take the 96-84 loss to the McKendree Bearcats Wednesday (Dec. 5) evening at Statham Center, Lebanon, IL.

The game against the Bearcats would represent the Beavers second exhibition game of the season and would not count towards their overall record of 3-3.

The Beavers were led again in scoring by junior guard Karson Hayes (Little Rock, Arkansas / John L McClellan) with a team-high 25 points. Sophomore guard Bryson Kirby (Lincoln, Illinois / Lincoln) would also contribute with 21 points, all of which would come from beyond the arc. Kirby shot an outstanding 7 of 9 (77.8%) from long range.

Raushaun Amos (St. Louis, Missouri / Soldan) added 11 points for Blackburn to go along with an impressive five assists and three rebounds. However, the Beaver’s efforts were not enough as three of the Bearcats starters Nate Michael, Alijah Thomas, and Giovanni Offard would each lead McKendree well scoring 25, 19, and 16, respectively.

The Beavers lead the battle on the boards 43-33, though, turnovers would become Blackburn’s downfall as they would lose the ball 16 times throughout the game whilst McKendree only had 4 turnovers.

The first half was close as the Bearcats would only lead at the half 39-36. Blackburn would let McKendree take off in the second half, however, giving up 57 points on 13 of 26 (50.0%) from the field and 6 of 10 (60.0%) from beyond the arc. The Beavers would not be able to catch up and the final buzzer would sound with the score being 96-84 to McKendree.

Up Next: Blackburn continues their season this Saturday, Dec. 8, as the Beavers play in a conference rival matchup with a game against the Greenville Panthers at 3 p.m.