Beavers Battle to the Buzzer

BELOIT, WI — The Blackburn College Women's Basketball team took on Beloit College Saturday afternoon in a non-conference matchup. Blackburn battled from start to finish in a hard-fought contest, but ultimately came up just short in a 75–70 loss.

A huge second-half push and clutch scoring from Junior Eiz Allende Quinones and Junior Kenadee Frey brought Blackburn within striking distance, but the comeback fell just short in the final stretch. Allende Quinones led the team with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Frey added 17 points along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Senior BeccaBenoit paced the Beavers on the boards with 12 rebounds, while Senior Zoe Mitchell contributed 8.

The Beavers opened the game aggressively, rotating early to find rhythm and energy. Offensively, Blackburn relied on ball movement and transition play, with Freshman Vicki McGee, Junior Cheresse Mitchell, and Allende Quinones attacking the paint and generating second-chance opportunities. McGee knocked down key shots early, and Frey and Mitchell contributed with strong drives. In the second quarter, Blackburn continued to push the tempo, finding scoring from Mitchell, Frey, Allende Quinones, and Senior Amya Harris. Frey provided steady free-throw production, hitting multiple attempts to keep the Beavers within striking distance. Defensively, Blackburn forced turnovers and battled on the glass, but Beloit's combination of interior strength and timely three-point shooting kept the Beavers trailing heading into halftime.

Blackburn's persistence became even more evident in the second half. The Beavers attacked the rim with confidence, led by Allende Quinones, whose repeated drives and finishes helped shift momentum. Frey sparked several offensive bursts—mixing perimeter shooting, free throws, and a strong putback finish. Zoe Mitchell added important rebounds and assists, helping keep Blackburn's offense flowing.

The fourth quarter showcased Blackburn's biggest push of the afternoon. Frey continued her clutch free-throw shooting, McGee buried a momentum-boosting three, and Allende Quinones delivered some of the Beavers' most important baskets—fastbreak layups, mid-range jumpers, and a three-point play that breathed new life into the offense. Benoit also stepped up late, grabbing offensive rebounds and converting a key layup-and-one in the final seconds.

Despite Blackburn's determined comeback, Beloit responded with just enough scoring in the final minute—capitalizing on free throws and interior finishes. The Beavers created several late opportunities, including another Allende Quinones finish and a final possession that produced a clean look from the outside, but the shot fell just short.

Your Beavers are back in action for the opening of conference play against the Red Devils of Eureka on Tuesday, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m in Eureka, IL.