Defiance, OH – The Prairie Fire got a big offensive performance from senior Tanner Carlson (Annawan, IL, Annawan) but it wasn’t enough as Trine University posted a 94-85 victory on Friday in the consolation game of the 2011 Purple and Gold Tournament.

Carlson scored a career-high 31 points for Knox (2-8), which dropped its third straight game despite shooting 58 percent in the first half and 54 percent overall against the Thunder (7-4).  Trine also shot 54 percent in the game.

The Prairie Fire opened up a seven point lead at 38-31 with 4:04 to play in the first half when Trine responded with a 12-2 run to lead 43-40 at the intermission.

Knox tied the game at 44-44 just over a minute into the second half and again at 50-50 with 16:39 to go, but could never take the lead.  The Thunder took its first double-digit lead at 84-74 at the 2:38 mark.

After falling behind 87-74 with 1:31 remaining, the Prairie Fire cut the deficit to 92-85 with 37 seconds remaining – but couldn’t draw any closer.

Knox outrebounded the Thunder 31-23 but committed 18 turnovers to just 10 for Trine.  Both teams sank 11 3-point baskets and Trine held a 21-18 advantage at the free throw line, including 20-10 in the second half.

First-year guard Mitch Murphy (Bushnell, IL, Bushnell-Prairie City/Avon) scored a season-high 15 points off the bench for Knox.  Senior Joe Kozak (Park Ridge, IL, Maine South) had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Carlson, who sank 5-of-6 shots from behind the 3-point arc, was named to the all-tournament team for his solid play in the Prairie Fire’s two games. 

The Prairie Fire's floor general, Carlson averaged 24 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds while shooting a blistering 18-for-25 from the field (72 percent) -- including 6-for-7 (86 percent) from 3-point range -- and connected on all six of his free throw attempts during his two games in the tournament.

Trine placed five players in double-figures, led by Scott Rogers with 21 points.

Next up for Knox is a Midwest Conference road matchup against rival Monmouth College on January 7 at 5:00 p.m.

The Fighting Scots (3-7, 1-4 MWC) have won two of their last three games, including a 78-62 victory on December 30 against Olivet College (2-9) at the Zimmerman Classic in Springfield, Ohio.  Monmouth placed third in the tournament.

The Prairie Fire and Fighting Scots split their two games last season.  The Scots won the first meeting 88-77 on January 8, 2011 at Memorial Gym.  Knox won the second game, the season finale for both teams, 61-58 on February 19, 2011 at Glennie Gym.

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