Box Score

GALESBURG, Illinois – The Prairie Fire couldn't hold a double-figure lead in the second half and lost their season-opener to Eureka College 94-92 Saturday at Memorial Gym.

Knox led by as many as 17 points in the first half and took a 56-41 lead into the halftime locker room after forcing the Red Devils into 20 turnovers while committing only nine.

The Prairie Fire (0-1) still maintained a 77-64 lead with 8:55 left in the game, but cold shooting and turnovers limited the hosts to 15 points the rest of the way.

Eureka (1-0) used a 9-0 run for its biggest lead, 93-87, with 37 seconds to play.

Knox shot 22 percent (13-of-58) in the second half, 29 percent (33-of-133) overall, and committed 23 turnovers.  The Prairie Fire also had a tough time at the free throw line, sinking only 2-of-6 attempts after halftime and 53.8 percent (14-of-26) in the game.

The Red Devils shot 46.5 percent (20-of-43) in the second half and 44 percent (33-of-75) overall while outscoring Knox 25-14 from the foul line.

The pressure defense applied by the Prairie Fire forced 34 Eureka turnovers that led to 26 points.

Senior Jessica Howard (Galesburg, IL, Galesburg) was one of four Knox players to score in double-figures with a team high 15 points.  First-year Naja Woods (Minneapolis, MN, Southwest) recorded a double-double in her first college game with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  First-year Carley Bechen (Eugene, OR, Churchill) added 11 points and senior Jodi Marver (Northbrook, IL, Glenbrook North) dropped in 10.  Junior Jamie Blue (Urbana, IL, University) grabbed 10 rebounds to share team-high honors with Woods.

The Prairie Fire open Midwest Conference play on Wednesday, November 19 at home against Carroll University.  The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m.