For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Darnall, Wildenradt fuel EC bombing run with 10 treys

December 14, 2007

EUREKA, Ill. — Eureka junior Mark Darnall (Lake Mills, Wis./HS) connected on six-of-eight three-point attempts en route to 22 points in Eureka College's 74-64 loss in non-conference play at Knox College Friday night. Darnall saved 14 of his tallies for the second half, but EC could not hold off the determined Prairie Fire charges.

The Red Devils (2-7) seemed to have the upper hand most of the night until the game turned with a six point Knox (3-4) possession. Matt Goedeke, who scored all 10 of his points after halftime, was fouled on a made shot that tied the game at 50. Knox proceeded to rebound two missed foul shots leading to four more points as the Prairie Fire ran out to a 56-50 lead.

The Red Devils did not crumble away, however. They recovered well by scoring the next nine points. Cody Myers (Ipava, Ill./VIT) made three free throws and Darnall canned three-pointers on consecutive possessions for the second time on the night to stake Eureka to a 59-56 advantage. Unfortunately, Darnall's jumper with 5:32 remaining that gave the Red Devils their last lead at 62-61 would be the only field goal made by the Maroon and Gold over the final seven minutes.

Meanwhile, the Prairie Fire, which outscored Eureka 24-8 at the charity stripe for the game, made enough freebies to increase their lead to as many as 10 at the final bell.

Brady Wildenradt (Delavan, Ill./HS) of Eureka and Rusty Baker of Knox played to a draw in the opening 20 minutes, with each carding 11 points. Wildenradt received more help from his teammates before intermission as EC went into the break up 31-26. The Red Devils raced out to their largest lead at 15-6 less than eight minutes into the fray.

Knox fought back with an 11-2 rally, and went ahead 26-25 only to see Darnall hit two triples in the final minute for a five point Eureka cushion.

Darnall registered a season high in points to lead the Red Devils, who were weakened significantly by injury and illness before the game even tipped-off. Wildenradt added 14 points and combined with Darnall for 10 of Eureka's 12 made three-pointers in 30 attempts. Matt McComb (Fairview, Ill./Spoon River Valley) chipped in 12. Chris Beecher (Dixon, Ill./HS) recorded 10 rebounds, four blocked shots and four points.

Baker finished with 20 points on just eight field goal attempts. Adam Estergard posted a double-double for Knox with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Prairie Fire shot 50 percent in the second half and 42.3 percent (22-52) for the game compared to 39.3 percent (22-56) for the Eureka.

The Red Devils have 22 days off before their next contest. They will travel to Maryville University Saturday, January 5 for a 1:00 pm tip-off versus the Saints. The women's game will follow at around 3:00 pm.

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For More Information Contact:

Bryan Moore
Sports Information Director
Eureka College
300 E. College Avenue
Eureka, Illinois 61530
309-467-6456
bmoore@eureka.edu