Elsah, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball team was back at home on Saturday for another important SLIAC contest against the Blackburn College Beavers. Earlier this season, Principia defeated Blackburn 72-71 in a contest that came down to the final possession. The Panthers came into the game looking to move within one game of the Beavers in the standings and sweep the season series. Blackburn would prove to be a formidable opponent as they took a four point lead going into the half, 32-28. Principia would fight valiantly in the second half but were unable to inch in front of the Beavers, as they fell 79-75.
Blackburn came out the gate hot and stormed out to a 9-2 lead. The lead would grow to as many as 11, but Principia would close the half on 6-0 run as an Isaiah Parker lay up before the half made it 32-28 going into the break. Principia would get within a point at 33-32 two minutes into the second half, but that would be as close as the Panthers would get the rest of the game.
Blackburn was hot from deep all game long as they made 10 three pointers on the day. The Panthers also had to deal with mounting foul trouble in the second half with both Jaquan Adams and AJ Byrd fouling out late in the game. Blackburn stretched the lead out to as many as 14, but Principia battled back to make it a one possession game in the final minute. A Shemarri Miles lay up with 20 seconds remaining got Principia within three points at 78-75, but unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Panthers.
Good to Know: Principia was led by seniors AJ Byrd and Shemarri Miles. Both played great games throughout, as Byrd finished with a season-high 23 points, while Miles had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Panthers also got big contributions from Bobby Alford III and Jaquan Adams, who both finished in double figures with 13 and 12 points each. The Panthers are now 5-11 in SLIAC play, and are currently tied for the final SLIAC Tournament position going into the last week of the season.
Up Next: Principia travels to Louisville, Kentucky to take on the Spalding Golden Eagles on Tuesday at 7:30 PM eastern (6:30 PM central). Come support your Panthers if you are in the Louisville area!
