Beavers Open Conference Play

EUREKA, IL — The Blackburn College Men's Basketball team faced Eureka College Tuesday in their SLIAC opener. The Beavers battled hard but came up short, falling 80-77.

Key contributors for Blackburn included freshmen Evan Jordan and Jaylen Jeter, along with junior Kcion Welch. Jordan led the team with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Jeter added 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals, while Welch contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Blackburn opened the game with energy, jumping out to a quick 4–0 lead behind a steal from Jordan and early buckets from junior Kamerin Carter and Jordan. The Beavers set the tone defensively, forcing turnovers and crashing the boards, with Jordan, Welch, and Carter all active on both ends.

The first half settled into a back-and-forth rhythm, with Eureka hitting shots from deep while Blackburn generated offense through ball movement and second-chance opportunities. Jordan sparked multiple scoring stretches—including a transition three-pointer and strong finishes at the rim—while Welch provided key scoring off the wing. Juniors Camden Nelson and Bradyn Pieper added valuable perimeter shooting, keeping the Beavers within striking distance. Blackburn closed the half with momentum; after Carter drained a late three and Jordan split a pair of free throws, the Beavers trailed just 40–38 at halftime.

Eureka opened the second half with a small run, but Blackburn responded with physical play and scoring bursts from Carter, Welch, and Jordan. Welch knocked down a pair of critical mid-range shots, while Carter attacked the paint to stem Eureka's early push. Jeter consistently stepped to the line, delivering clutch free throws as the game tightened. With just over six minutes remaining, Blackburn completed a comeback. Jeter's free throws tied the game at 66–66, then he converted again to give the Beavers a 67–66 lead—their first of the half. From there, both teams traded key plays, with junior Payton Cook scoring inside, Jordan attacking the basket, and Welch adding critical free throws to keep Blackburn even.

The Beavers had one final opportunity. Jeter remained composed, hitting two late free throws to tie the game at 77–77 with 16 seconds left. After a defensive stand nearly forced a stop, Eureka's player hit a contested three with six seconds remaining, giving the visitors an 80–77 lead and the win.

Blackburn Men's Basketball returns to action for conference play on December 1st in an exhibition match against Eastern Illinois.