Beavers Conclude Season in Quarterfinals

BATESVILLE, AR — The Blackburn men's basketball team battled early and carried momentum into the locker room, but a strong second-half surge by Lyon led to a 75–48 setback.

The Beavers were led by none other than freshman Jaylen Jeter, freshman Evan Jordan, and junior Payton Cook. Jeter led the way with 14 points, two rebounds, and one block. Cook followed with 12 points, a team-high seven rebounds, and three blocks. Jordan added 10 points, one rebound, and one assist.

The Beavers came out aggressive, jumping ahead 5–2 after a three-pointer from junior Kamerin Carter and a paint finish by Cook. Blackburn continued to answer Lyon's runs throughout the first half, getting key contributions from Jordan and  Jeter. Jordan knocked down a pair of three-pointers, while Jeter added a fastbreak layup and a triple late in the half to help the Beavers maintain control.

Blackburn's defense also made an impact early, with Cook and junior Kcion Welch recording blocks and the Beavers forcing multiple turnovers to fuel transition opportunities. A three from Jeter with just over a minute remaining in the half pushed Blackburn in front 27–20. However, Lyon closed the half on a late run, trimming the deficit to 27–25 at the break.

In the second half, Lyon capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to take control. Despite a three-pointer from Cook to tie the game at 30–30 early in the half and another triple from Jeter to keep Blackburn within reach, Lyon used a series of fastbreak layups and offensive rebounds to build separation.

Blackburn continued to compete, with Cook scoring inside and adding a late three, while Welch and senior Darius Duff contributed paint finishes down the stretch. Senior Cameron Johnson added a basket in the final seconds, but Lyon's efficiency in transition and on the glass proved to be the difference. The Beavers showed strong effort and defensive intensity in the opening half, but Lyon's second-half run created too much ground to recover falling, 75-48.

The Beavers conclude the season with an overall record of 9–17 and an 8–8 mark in conference play, matching a similar finish from the 2023 campaign. With a strong core returning and valuable experience gained, Blackburn looks to build on that foundation and take the next step forward next season.