Box Score

Lisle, IL - Benedictine University spoiled the Prairie Fire’s season opener with a 69-63 win Tuesday night in Lisle, Illinois.

The Eagles (1-0) shot 50 percent and led Knox (0-1) 32-22 at halftime.  The Prairie Fire made 9-of-28 shots (32 percent) in the first half.

Benedictine overcame a big game by Knox junior post Lukas Shaw (Portland, OR, U.S. Grant), who finished with a double-double: 18 points and 19 rebounds.

The Prairie Fire closed the gap to 46-43 with under 8:30 to play in the game, but BU held on.  The Eagles held a big edge from the free throw line, making 19-of-32 shots to just 6-of-10 for the Fire.

Knox shot better in the second half, knocking down 16-of-38 shots (42 percent) and 38 percent overall while holding the Eagles to 34 percent shooting over the final 20 minutes.  Neither team was effective from 3-point range as Knox made 7-of-27 (26 percent) and BU hit 4-of-19 (21 percent).

Benedictine forced 18 Prairie Fire turnovers while committing 13.  The Fire outrebounded the Eagles 46-39, including 15 offensive rebounds for Knox.

Besides Shaw, senior Tanner Carlson (Annawan, IL, Annawan) scored in double figures with 12 points and added six assists for the Fire.  Senior Joe Kozak (Park Ridge, IL, Maine South) contributed 10 points.

Coach Rob Purlee’s team is off until December 2, when Midwest Conference rival Ripon College visits Memorial Gymnasium for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.

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