For Immediate Release

decatur, illinois

December, 13, 2008

challenging '08 schedule continues for eC at Millikin

Boxscore

Facing the second of three consecutive undefeated opponents, Eureka College again put itself in position to spring an upset with a solid first half only to fall by double figures in the end. Millikin University finished Saturday's non-conference match up with a 34-9 run for a 77-49 victory.

The final score was not indicative of how the first 27 minutes of the game was played as Eureka (2-6) led for most of the first half before settling for a 32-30 halftime deficit. The Red Devils stayed within 45-40 at the 13 minute mark of the second half, but connected on just three field goals the rest of the way.

Eureka built an eight point first half lead on the strength of a defensive effort that held Millikin (8-0) scoreless for over five minutes. The Red Devils took their first lead on a three-pointer by Mark Darnall (Lake Mills, Wis./HS) with 16:41 left in the half. Darnall's shot began a 9-2 spurt by EC that opened up the largest advantage either side would have in the opening frame at 16-8.

Brady Wildenradt (Delavan, Ill./HS), whose trey handed Eureka its eight-point margin, sank a baseline jumper with 7:46 left that moved the Red Devils ahead 21-14. Eureka went the next five minutes without a field goal, however, allowing Millikin to see-saw back on top. Later, Darnall hit a three-pointer to tie the game for the last time at 28. The Big Blue answered with four made free throws to carry a slim 32-30 advantage into halftime.

Michael Zasada (McHenry, Ill./HS) turned in a three-point play and Kameron Bell (Clinton, Ill./HS), who received his first start while playing nearby his hometown, found the hoop on consecutive possessions to keep Eureka close in the early stages of the second half.

Turnovers and the play of Millikin's Charles Warren and Robert Burton would prove to be the undoing of the Red Devils. Eureka was charged with 22 turnovers resulting in 20 Big Blue points. Warren led all players with 23 points, while Burton had 14 points and eight boards. The two combined to make 16 out of 22 field goal attempts. Millikin outscored EC 45-19 after halftime thanks to 55 percent (17-for-31) field goal shooting. The Big Blue finished at 48 percent (29-61) for the game.

Bell recorded his third straight double digit scoring game with 12 points to lead Eureka. Darnall added 11, which included 3-for-4 three-point shooting. As a team, the Red Devils shot 25 percent (5-for-20) from long range and 35 percent (17-48) overall. Jordan Kindred (Chrisman, Ill./HS) posted a team-high six rebounds to go with his nine points.

Eureka will next compete in the Elmhurst Tournament Dec. 19-20. The Red Devils are slated to take on Washington University of St. Louis in Elmhurst in the opening game of the event Friday, December 19 at 5:00 pm. The Bears are the defending NCAA Division III champions and are currently ranked No. 1 in the country. They will be the third consecutive undefeated team EC has faced.

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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