EUREKA, IL - The Principia Men's Basketball team traveled to Eureka College to take on the Red Devils for the second time in one week. After losing handily to Eureka at home, 96-79, Principia was looking for some revenge as they were getting ready for the SLIAC Tournament starting next week. Principia came out the aggressors and took an eight point lead going into the half. After a back and forth battle in the second half, Eureka was able to tie the game on a 3 pointer with two seconds left to send the game to overtime. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Eureka used the momentum to come away with the 84-81 victory.
Principia was able to really control the game in the first half. After falling behind by five, Principia took over the game. In a balanced effort, contributions came from everywhere as Principia was able to keep Eureka off balance. With 1:55 left in the half, Principia stretched their lead out to 14 on an
AJ Byrd basket. Unfortunately, Eureka was able to get some momentum before the half by getting a three point play followed by a 3 pointer to cut the lead to eight at the break.
In the second half, Eureka made a comeback, but Principia was able to answer every single time.
AJ Byrd had some big 3 pointers and
Clark Davidson was scoring down in the post. With the game tied at 67,
Shemarri Miles made a mid-range jumper to put the Panthers up 69-67 with 1:52 remaining. Eureka was able to tie it up and after a couple of empty possessions from both teams, Eureka held the ball with 44 seconds. Principia was able to force a tough shot and get the rebound, which ended up with
Jake Kampf hitting a huge 3 pointer to put the Panthers up 72-69 with 16 seconds left. After a timeout from Eureka, Principia forced a tough 3 pointer which bounced off the basket directly to a Eureka player, who passed it to an open man to make a 3 pointer and tie the game at 72. In overtime, Eureka took the early lead and was able to hold on for the 84-81 win.
Good To Know: AJ Byrd paced the Panthers with 22 points, while
Clark Davidson followed up with 20 points of his own.
Nathan Brantingham and
Kevin Wingert finished with identical double doubles of 10 points and 10 rebounds each.
Up Next: The Panthers enter the SLIAC Tournament as the seventh seed, and will travel back to Eureka College to play the Red Devils for the third time in eight days. The game is set for Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 PM. We would love to have you support us in person if possible, but if you are unable, the livestream will be posted on the schedule!
