MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Despite a dominant performance in the paint and a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double from Nayeli Nidez Acuña, the Prairie Fire came up just short of Alverno in a 72-65 loss on the road.
Alverno jumped out to a 20-13 lead in the opening quarter, but Knox responded with a strong second period, outscoring the Inferno 21-18 while shooting 62.5 percent from the field to trim the deficit to 38-34 at halftime.
Knox continued to build momentum after the break, taking the lead midway through the third quarter and entering the final period trailing by just one point, 50-49.
The fourth quarter featured several lead changes as both teams battled for control. Bri Holland's fast-break layup gave Knox a 63-62 advantage with just over a minute remaining, but Alverno answered with a three-pointer and converted its late free throws to secure the victory.
Nidez Acuña led the Prairie Fire with 20 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Sarah Finley added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Kendell Lade finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Cheyanne Merkel contributed nine points, and Holland chipped in seven points and two steals off the bench.
As a team, Knox dominated the interior, outscoring Alverno 42-14 in the paint. The Prairie Fire also recorded 22 fast-break point.
Alverno's perimeter shooting proved to be the difference, as the Inferno connected on 10 three-pointers compared to just one for Knox.
The Prairie Fire fall to 0-2 on the season, and Knox will return to Galesburg for a home matchup against Eureka College on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m.
