For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Kowalski posts double-11s in Eureka's 1st SLIAC loss

January 5, 2008

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — James Kowalski (El Paso, Ill./El Paso-Gridley) came off the bench to tally his first career doble-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds as Eureka College fell 73-69 to St.Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponent Maryville University. The Red Devils rallied back to within one point in the final two minutes afer falling behind by as many as 11 in the second half in their first game since December 14.

Neither side gained more than a six point lead in a back-and-forth opening half of play. Kowalski recorded all 11 of his points and seven boards in the first 20 minutes, but Eureka (2-8, 2-1 SLIAC) still was behind 34-31 at intermission. The Red Devils outscored the Saints (3-7, 2-1 SLIAC) 13-7 for their largest lead of the half of five points with 7:34 to go. Later, Maryville went on a 12-2 run just before halftime to move back in front.

The Red Devils refused go away, but each time Maryville had an answer. The Saints did not trail in the second half. Maryville fired up 38 three-point attempts in the game, connecting on three during a 14-3 borage that turned a 43-43 tie into a 57-46 game.

Eureka again faced an 11 point deficit (67-56) with under six minutes to play. With Maryville content to slow the tempo of the game, the Eureka defense stepped to the forefront by holding the Saints off the scoreboard for over three minutes. Gordon Barkley (Peoria Heights, Ill./HS)sparked a 10-0 charge by EC with a trey as the Red Devils pulled to within 67-66 with 2:50 remaining.

Soon after Maryville's Curtis Goodwin sank a three-pointer to extend the advantage to four, Mark Darnall (Lake Mills, Wis./HS) answered with a tough triple from the wing with just over one minute to play.

Maryville missed a three-point attempt, but the ball went out of bounds, back in the Saints' possession with 30 seconds left. Jered McCoy was sent to the line where he made two free throws to put Maryville in front by three. Kowalski launched a three-pointer to tie, but it was just short with 10 seconds on the clock. The Saints would add another foul shot to put the game out of reach.

Darnall led the Red Devils with 17 points, 11 of which came after halftime. Matt McComb (Fairview, Ill./Spoon River Valley) accounted for 14 points and five steals. He made nine out of 12 free throw attempts. Eureka shot 21-for-45 (46.7 percent) from the field compared to 23-for-60 (38.3 percent) for Maryville.

Playing his first game for Maryville after leaving the school for a semester, Tyler Saxton was the only Saint in double figures with 19. He made four of Maryville's 11 three-pointers. Another key statistics was offensive rebounds, which the Saints led 14-6.

The Red Devils will next be in action Wednesday, January 9 as they host Fontbonne University in a rematch of last season's SLIAC Tournament championship game. The Griffins topped EC 88-79 in that overtime contest.

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For More Information Contact:

Brian Sullivan
Sports Information Director
Eureka College
300 E. College Avenue
Eureka, Illinois 61530
309-467-6456
bsullivan@eureka.edu