For Immediate Release

north manchester, indiana

November 18, 2006

Richard, Tarpley key Eureka's 73-62 defeat of Alma

A.J. Richard (Gibson City, Ill./GCMS) scored 20 points, including 13 in the second half, to lift the Eureka men's basketball team to a 73-62 victory over Alma College in the consolation game of the Manchester Tip-Off Tournament.

Although the Red Devils again struggled from long range (3-16, 18.8 percent on three-pointers), they dominated the Scots in the paint. EC earned a 39-21 rebounding advantage, which resulted into a 19-6 edge in second chance points. Six Red Devils grabbed at least four boards, led by the eight of newcomers Michael Zasada (McHenry, Ill./HS) and Randy Ledbetter (Washburn, Ill./Lowpoint-Washburn).

It was not until late in the first half until Eureka gained control of the game. Alma led for most of the first 15 minutes, but never by more than six points. Eureka held Alma to only three points, a trey by Jordan Venias, over the final 7:30 of the half while going on a 14-3 run. EC broke open a 27-27 tie with the last nine points spurred on by a pair of Chris Tarpley field goals.

A senior forward from Pekin, Tarpley was a consistent performer for the Red Devils in the tournament. He was named to the All-Tournament team after amassing 28 points and 16 rebounds. He posted 16 points and six boards on 7-of-11 shooting against Alma.

The Red Devils held firm to the lead in the second half. Alma got within 42-38 early in the half, but EC bounced back with an 11-2 run to take the largest lead for either team at 53-40 with eight minutes to play. Later, Eureka went 10-12 on free throws after the lead was cut to six to increase the final margin to 11.

Tim Peffer (Hinckley, Ill./Hinckley-Big Rock) was one of three Red Devils in double figures, netting 18 tallies. Eureka has exhibited improved defensive play so far, limiting both opponents to 62 points. Only three times last season did the Maroon and Gold hold opponents to 62 or fewer points in a game.

Ryan DeHaan paced Alma with 17 points and nine rebounds. Brett Knight added 13.

The Red Devils begin their home slate of games Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 pm against Knox College. The women's game between Knox and Eureka starts at 5:30 pm.

###

For More Information Contact:

Brian Sullivan

Sports Information Director

Eureka College

300 E. College Avenue

Eureka, Illinois 61530

309-467-6456

bsullivan@eureka.edu