Ness Records 3rd Straight Double-Double in Loss to Lyon

EUREKA, IL. – Lyon College pulled away from the Eureka women's basketball team on Thursday inside of the Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena and Convocation Center, defeating the Red Devils 102-48.

The Red Devils struggled to establish a rhythm early, as the Scots jumped out to a 26-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. Eureka was able to cut down on the Scots' scoring in the second quarter, but the visitors from Arkansas put on an impressive performance in the latter part of the game, limiting the Red Devils to just 20 points in the final two quarters while tallying 55 points themselves.

Josie Ness (Sandwich, Ill./Sandwich) and Brin Hultz combined for 28 of the Red Devils' points, each pitching in 14. Ness' performance continues a remarkable stretch of games for the junior forward, picking up 19 rebounds to notch her tenth double-double of the season and third in the last three games. Defensively, Ness managed to swat away three of the Scots' attempts, leading the Red Devils in blocks.

Senior Katie Haffner (Lake Camelot, Ill./Illini Bluffs) recorded a career-high 8 points on the night, knocking down a pair of free throws and 3-of-6 shots from the field. Haffner also led the team with 3 assists and 5 steals.

All five of Lyon's starters finished in double figures. Natalya Kaza and Allison Byars each notched 19 points, while Samantha Taylor, Brooklyn Rowe, and Zharia Childress contributed 17, 13, and 12 points, respectively. Lyon's large offensive numbers resulted from tough defense. Their press proved to be the largest difference in the game, as the Scots forced 41 turnovers and converted those into 43 points.

Eureka (4-16, 2-11 SLIAC) next take on Mississippi University for Women (6-11, 5-8 SLIAC) at home on Saturday at 1:00 PM CST.