Barr Leads the Charge to First Conference Win

CARLINVILLE, IL—The Blackburn College Men's Basketball were back at home on Saturday afternoon taking on the Blue Jays of Westminster College. Barr helped the Beavers to come out on top with their first conference victory, 71-60.

Senior Brody Barr led the Beavers in their victory over the Blue Jays with a career high of 22 points. Barr also added 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. Juniors Nick Cook and Tyson Johnsonwere also key contributors, Cook with 14 points and Johnson with 10. Cook was a defensive machine in the paint with 8 rebounds as well. Johnson led the Beavers 100% from the line. 

Sophomore Odis Grissom with a layup to put the Beavers on the board early. Junior Caleb Schaab with a put back to bring the team out to a 4 point lead then Barr with a layup to bring them out 6 points. The Beavers held the Blue Jays defensively for 6 mins before their first points. A fast break layup by junior Darius Duff helps to keep the lead. Barr drained a three and a layup to bring them to an 8 point lead. The Blue Jays battled back to bring it within 2 point deference with 4 minutes remaining until the half. Westminster takes the lead for the first time all half but Blackburn answers and steals it back going into halftime 29-28.

Coming out of the half, Cook with a put back and Barr with a three keep the Beavers in the lead. Johnson with a three put a 10 point differential with 12 mins remaining. The Blue Jays answer with a three of their own to bring it back to within 8. Duff with a fast break layup forced a timeout from Westminster. Out of the time out, the Beavers take the lead to 12 points. The Blue Jays battled but could not get the differential under double digits. Johnson sank two free throws with 30 seconds left to ensure the dub. Blackburn's offense was the relentless pursuit they needed to take the win over Westminster. 

Blackburn is on the road to Columbus Mississippi to take on the Owls of MUW this Wednesday.