Jeter’s Career Night Lifts Blackburn Past Westminster

CARLINVILLE, IL — The Blackburn men's basketball team controlled the flow for much of the night and leaned on timely defense and balanced scoring to secure an 80–74 win over Westminster.

The Beavers were led by freshman Jaylen Jeter, who posted a career-high 36 points and added six steals. Junior Kcion Welch followed with 12 points, while freshman Evan Jordan contributed 10 points. Junior Payton Cook led Blackburn on the boards with 13 rebounds.

Blackburn weathered an early 5–0 deficit before settling in behind junior Kamerin Carter's first basket and a quick shooting rhythm from Jordan. Jordan knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the opening six minutes, sparking a run that flipped the momentum and helped Blackburn grab its first lead at 12–11 with 14:20 remaining in the first half.

From there, Blackburn's defense took over. Jeter consistently pressured the ball, recording multiple steals that turned into transition points. A stretch midway through the half saw the Beavers score 11 straight points, highlighted by Jeter finishes at the rim and a corner three from senior Cayden Paquette, pushing the lead into double digits. Blackburn closed the half strong, outscoring Westminster 17–6 over the final five minutes to take a commanding 52–33 advantage into the break.

The second half opened with Westminster chipping away, but Blackburn answered every push. Welch and Cook scored inside to steady the offense, while Jordan continued to clean the glass and facilitate. When Westminster trimmed the lead to single digits late, Jeter again delivered—finishing through contact, knocking down free throws, and sealing the game at the line in the final 30 seconds.

Jeter was the engine all night for Blackburn, scoring repeatedly in transition and closing the game at the stripe. Jordan added key shooting, rebounds, and defensive plays, while Paquette provided a spark off the bench with timely three-point shooting. Defensively, Blackburn forced turnovers throughout and converted them into crucial points, especially during the first-half surge. Blackburn's ability to respond to runs and execute late proved decisive as the Beavers closed out the 80–74 victory.

The Beavers return to action today, Sunday, for an exhibition game against Eastern Illinois University. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.