Beavers Earn Home Win Over Westminster
CARLINVILLE, IL — The Blackburn women’s basketball team put together a complete four-quarter performance on Saturday to earn an 82–70 victory over Westminster.
CARLINVILLE, IL — The Blackburn women's basketball team put together a complete four-quarter performance on Saturday to earn an 82–70 victory over Westminster.
The Beavers had four players score in double figures in the win: juniors Eiz Allende Quinones, Kenadee Frey, and India Harris, along with freshman Vickie McGee. Allende Quinones led the way with a double-double, 20 points and paced the Beavers on the glass with 11 rebounds. Followed by Frey with 15, Harris with 12, and McGee with 10.
Blackburn weathered an early push from Westminster in the opening quarter, responding with strong rebounding and second-chance opportunities to find its rhythm. After falling behind 6–2 early, the Beavers settled in behind baskets from Harris and senior Zoe Mitchell, while Allende Quinones began to assert herself around the rim. A late surge capped by a Frey three-pointer in the final seconds gave Blackburn a 22–20 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Beavers built momentum in the second quarter, turning defensive pressure into scoring opportunities. Frey knocked down a pair of three-pointers, while senior Becca Benoit and junior Cheresse Mitchell provided energy off the bench. Blackburn forced multiple turnovers and capitalized in transition, gradually extending its advantage. Despite Westminster trimming the margin late, Blackburn closed the half strong and carried a 43–38 lead into the break.
Coming out of halftime, Blackburn continued to control the tempo. Allende Quinones scored early to keep the Beavers in front, while Frey and Harris consistently attacked the paint. A three-pointer from McGee midway through the third quarter sparked another run, and Blackburn used balanced scoring and strong defensive rebounding to stretch the lead to double digits. A late McGee triple pushed the margin to 64–53 heading into the final period.
Westminster made several attempts to climb back in the fourth quarter, but Blackburn answered each run with poise. Frey delivered key baskets, including a layup and a three-pointer that halted Westminster's momentum. Allende Quinones continued to finish inside, while the Beavers forced turnovers and controlled the glass down the stretch. Blackburn sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minutes, maintaining its composure to close out the 82–70 victory.
The Blackburn women's basketball team hits the road Wednesday evening to face the Panthers of Greenville University.