Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Beavers

CARLINVILLE, IL – The Blackburn College women's basketball team outscored Eureka decisively in the final period, closing the game on a commanding run to secure a 90–73 victory.

The Beavers were led by senior Zoe Mitchell, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Blackburn also received well-rounded contributions from six other players, including fellow seniors Becca Benoit and Kailynn Kruep, juniors Kenadee Frey and Eiz Allende Quiñones, and freshman Vicki McGee. Benoit finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kruep followed with 14 points and two blocks. Frey added another double-double, posting 15 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Allende Quiñones contributed 12 points, and McGee added 11.

Blackburn opened the game with strong defensive energy and second-chance opportunities, setting the tone early against Eureka. Mitchell scored Blackburn's first basket on a layup off a steal, and Benoit's work on the offensive glass helped the Beavers build an early edge. Despite some early shooting struggles, Blackburn stayed composed, forcing turnovers and converting at the rim to trail 21–19 at the end of the first quarter before closing the gap at the free-throw line.

In the second quarter, Blackburn leaned on balanced scoring to stay within striking distance. McGee knocked down multiple three-pointers, while Allende Quiñones and Benoit provided interior scoring and hustle plays. Frey made a major impact at the free-throw line during a pivotal stretch, helping Blackburn capitalize on Eureka fouls and technicals. Although Eureka held a 44–37 lead at halftime, Blackburn's rebounding and ability to draw fouls kept the game manageable.

The third quarter marked a turning point. Blackburn responded to Eureka's early scoring run with timely shots from Kruep and McGee from beyond the arc. Mitchell and Allende Quiñones attacked the basket, while Blackburn's defense forced turnovers that led directly to points. By the end of the quarter, Blackburn had trimmed the deficit to just two points, trailing 61–59 and clearly seizing momentum.

Blackburn dominated the fourth quarter on both ends of the floor. Benoit tied the game early at the free-throw line, and Frey quickly pushed Blackburn ahead with free throws and a strong finish in transition. Kruep delivered a key three-pointer to extend the lead, and Allende Quiñones consistently converted at the line as Blackburn capitalized on Eureka miscues. Down the stretch, Mitchell, Solis, and McGee finished plays at the rim, while the Beavers' defense continued to force turnovers and limit second chances.

The win was fueled by relentless rebounding, timely three-point shooting, and aggressive defense that wore down Eureka late and turned a tight contest into a convincing 90–73 finish.

The Beavers return to action on Thursday for another SLIAC matchup against Lyon College.