MONMOUTH, Illinois—The Prairie Fire women's basketball team was defeated by Monmouth College by a final score of 56-48 on Tuesday night.

Knox (12-10, 9-6 MWC) fell behind early as the Fighting Scots were able to capitalize on the Prairie Fire's turnovers in the first quarter. Monmouth led by as many as five in the quarter. Monmouth led by three at the end of the 1st quarter.  At the beginning of the second quarter, Knox wasted no time as they converted four out of their five first baskets to take the lead 18-15 with 7:19 left in the period. The Fighting Scots battled back and held a 30-25 lead at the intermission. Catessa Duran had a strong half as she scored nine points and was 100% from the field.

The Prairie Fire had a strong third quarter as they outscored the Fighting Scots 14-6 and turned a five-point deficit into three-point lead at the end of the third quarter. In the final quarter, the Prairie Fire had a one point lead with 2:42 left in the game.  However, the Fighting Scots offense was firing on all cylinders and went on a run as they scored 11 points to seal the game.

Morgan Potter scored 12 points to lead Knox. Karlie Thorn and Catessa Duran chipped in with 9 points each.
 
"We had defensive lapses late in the fourth quarter and that was the difference in the game," said head coach Emily Cline.

The Prairie Fire will look to get back on track on the road against Beloit on February 9.