On Jan. 29, the Blackburn Beavers took on the Fontbonne Griffins. Although both teams put up a good run, both the women’s and men’s team fell short of a victory.
In the first quarter, the Beavers fell behind in a matter of a minute, however, Jenna Dudra was able to help the team catch up with a three point shot. The Griffins managed to gain a lead until Callista Francis made a layup. With four points scored by Lexie Black and Kaylee Pedigo, the Beavers trailed the Griffins by seven after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Beavers were behind by two points with four minutes left, but were unable to take the lead from the Griffins. Dudra made another three point shot, putting the score at 29-26 going into halftime. In the third quarter, Savannah Kruse put the Beavers behind by one point of the Griffins with a jump shot. But the Griffins were able to gain a sizable lead, not allowing the Beavers to take a lead. In the final quarter, Kruse made three three point shots, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to the Griffins, who were ahead by 30 at the beginning of the quarter. The lady Beavers fell to the lady Griffins with a final score of 80-56. Kruse led the scoring with 22 for the Beavers.
The men also fell to Fontbonne. Although the Griffins were able to score two points in the first four seconds, Bryson Kirby and David Lopez quickly gained a small lead making a three point shot and a layup, respectively. The Griffins were able to take the lead quickly, but Nigel Ferrell and Cristian Wagner successfully made three point shots and were able to shrink the Griffins’ lead. Kirby made three more three point shots within two minutes, giving the Beavers a small lead of 14-20. But the Griffins fought back hard and were able to tie the game at 22 halfway through the first half. Ferrell and Wagner were able to make shots to help the team catch up to the Griffins. Javon Stovall made a three point shot with 22 seconds left on the clock. The score was 46-37, Blackburn trailing Fontbonne by nine going into halftime. In the beginning of the second half, Lopez made a three point shot, giving the Beavers a four point margin. Karson Hayes made a three point shot with 11:30 left in the half. Hayes then made two free throws and tied the game with seven minutes left. Lopez once again made a three point shot, leaving the Beavers behind by one. Kirby was able to make another three point shot, catching up to the Griffins. Blackburn was not able to make a comeback and win against Fontbonne. The final score was 87-74. Bryson Kirby led the team with 19 points.