Bradley Pulls Away to Top Red Devils, 103-59

EUREKA, Ill. -- Despite a quick start that included an eight-point first-quarter lead, the Eureka College women's basketball team dropped a 103-59 non-conference decision at Bradley, Sunday night in Peoria, Ill. Senior Luci Weis (Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community H.S.) shared game-high honors with 17 points for the Red Devils.

The Red Devils claimed an early 13-5 lead thanks to a 10-0 run highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers from Weis. Bradley slowly battled back to force an 18-18 tie, but another triple from Weis helped Eureka grab a 21-19 lead after one quarter.

The Braves recovered to snag a 23-22 lead on a transition layup from Danielle Brewer with 8:41 left before halftime. BU ultimately stretched its lead to eight at halftime, 46-38, thanks to a basket from Ryan Wilkins right before the first-half buzzer.

Another Weis field goal pulled EC back to within six (49-43) at the 8:22 mark of the third quarter, but BU put the game out of reach by scoring 28 of the final 31 points in the frame.

BU also outscored EC in the final quarter, 26-13.

Weis scored 17 points on a 6-for-10 shooting performance, including a 3-for-5 effort from beyond the arc. Senior Michaela Balducci (Eureka, Ill./Eureka H.S.) scored 10 and pulled down 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Brewer and Vanessa Markert had 17 points apiece to pace Bradley. Leti Lerma compiled 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Eureka will take its 3-3 overall record into the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener this Wednesday at Blackburn. Tip-off against the Beavers in Carlinville, Ill. is scheduled for 6 p.m.