GALESBURG – When a team is making just about everything it throws up, the best thing a team can do is either not let them shoot or answer with makes.

The Beloit women's basketball team was making just about everything early in its game against Knox College, so the Prairie Fire employed both of those tactics. Knox answered Buccaneer buckets with baskets of their own, but also was able to turn Beloit over. 

The tactics worked, as Beloit eventually cooled off and Knox College sprinted away for an 87-57 win on Senior Day at home.

Beloit made nine of its first 14 shots, including 3-5 in the first quarter, but Knox was able to hang around, thanks to turning Beloit over eight times in the opening period and hitting 8-18 from the field and 5-6 from the line, holding even at 21-21 after one. 

Beloit kept up its solid play in the second quarter, going 7-14 from the field, but Knox also made shots and turned the Bucs over seven times, giving the Prairie Fire a 38-37 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Knox found its footing at both ends of the floor, opening the third quarter with a 14-2 run to take a 52-39 lead with 6:24 to go in the period.

The Prairie Fire poured it on in the third, going 14-21 from the floor and outscoring Beloit 31-8 to take a 69-45 lead into the final period. 

It was a balanced effort for Knox as five players scored in double figures, led by Bria Medina's 23 points.

It was a memorable Senior Day for the two Prairie Fire seniors as Carly Smith recorded a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Kylee Callahan added 14 points, five rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Nayeli Nidez Acuña added 11 points, and Sarah Finley added 12.

The win keeps the Prairie Fire in a second-place tie with Lawrence. Knox is on the road next Wednesday, playing at Monmouth before closing out the home schedule against league-leading Ripon.