GALESBURG, Illinois— The Knox College Prairie Fire men's basketball team lost to the Principia College Panthers by a score of 89-76 in their season debut at home.
 
Justin Windt led the Prairie Fire in scoring with 22 points to go along with eight rebounds off the bench, but an early lead evaporated in the second half and Principia took control in the final 10 minutes to earn the victory.
 
The Prairie Fire actually ended the first half leading the Panthers by one, shooting 42% overall and 44% from beyond the arc, while often limiting Principia to rough shots in the paint and gobbling up rebounds. Deryk Ruple had 11 points in the first half, and the Knox bench outscored the Principia bench 12-2.
 
Unfortunately, the Panthers put increased pressure on the Prairie Fire, and as a result Knox faded in the second half. Trevaughn Goodman carried his excellent effort throughout the game, and as a result posted a double-double with 32 points and 12 rebounds. The trio of Goodman, Micah Paulson, and Clark Davidson put up almost all of Principia's points for the night, with Paulson posting a double-double as well. Knox only shot 2-of-10 from three in the second half while committing 11 fouls, and despite Windt catching fire, the Prairie Fire could not get the win.
 
Blake Godbold reeled in 14 rebounds for the Prairie Fire and knocked down three treys for nine points. Malcolm Bray also finished with 12 points in his collegiate debut.
 
Knox searches for its first victory of the season when they host Maranatha Baptist on November 11 at 7:00 p.m.