Scots Pulls Away From Red Devils
MONMOUTH, ILL. – The Eureka men's basketball team was unable to take down Monmouth on Saturday in a nonconference matchup, falling 83-68.
Eureka started the game strong. Their largest lead came in the first half, when they were up 23-13. But, the Scots' work on the boards would help them pull the game back within reach before halftime, outrebounding Eureka 33-23 on the night. The two teams went into halftime even, but Monmouth was able to pull away in the second half.
Turner Plumer helped kickstart the Scots' second half campaign with a pair of layups and a forced turnover. Kyle Taylor and Jordan Hill both knocked down big 3-point shots to further the lead, and the Red Devils were unable to ever take back control of the game.
Cody Baer (Peoria, Ill./Dunlap/Southwestern Illinois) recorded his fifth double-double of the season for the Red Devils, posting 22 points and 10 boards, along with two blocks and one assist.
Noah Persich (Peoria, Ill./Metamora/Parkland) added a season-high 17 points to the Eureka's scoring, along with contributing 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Dylan Logsdon (Meridian, Idaho/Mountain View) put up 8 points. Blake Logsdon (Meridian, Idaho/Mountain View), Jalen Johnson (Rock Falls, Ill./Rock Falls), and Raymond Bandzoumouna Jr. (Lisle, Ill. / Lisle) all contributed 5 points.
Eureka, now 3-7 on the season (1-3 SLIAC), defeated Monmouth, 63-56, back on November 10th in their home opener. Without the energy of the home crowd at the Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena and Convocation Center, the Scots were able to pick up a home win of their own this time around. Eureka will take on Beloit College next in another nonconference away contest on Saturday, December 30th following their exhibition against Western Illinois (NCAA D1).