For Immediate Release

elmhurst, illinois

December 20, 2008

Eureka mounts late rally, falls 3 short of benedictine

Boxscore

Eureka College battled back from an 11-point first half deficit to gain the lead only to drop a 71-68 decision to Benedictine University in the consolation game of the Bluejay Classic hosted by Elmhurst College.

The Red Devils (2-8) scored the exact same number of points as in the first meeting with the Eagles (5-5) on November 21, but put forth a stingy defensive effort in the second half to hold Beneditine to 10 fewer points this time. Eureka held Benedictine without a field goal over the final 6:47 of the contest. The Eagles, however, connected on 11-of-13 free throw attempts over that same span to fend off a late EC comeback.

Benedictine's Dan Klecan was the story in the early going as he connected from long range four times, putting in 14 points in the first 6:20 of the game. Klecan would go scoreless the rest of the way, missing his final seven field goal attempts, but that did not stop Benedictine from building a double digit advantage by the midpoint of the half.

It did not take the Red Devils long to respond as they quickly charged back with a 12-2 rally. Andy Leppard (Crescent City, Ill./Crescent-Iroquois), who filled in admirably off the bench with five points, four rebounds and four steals to combat Eureka's foul trouble, brought EC within a single point at 30-29 with a three-point play. Kameron Bell (Clinton, Ill./HS) and Brady Wildenradt (Delavan, Ill./HS) combined for the other nine points during the comeback.

Although Eureka managed just one point over the last 4:48 of the first half, Benedictine did not take full advantage, instead settling for a 34-30 halftime lead.

The Eagles, which made 6-of-12 from three-point territory in the first half, started the scond frame hot again, racing out to a 42-32 lead at the 17:30 mark. By the time they made their next field goal, however, it would be the Red Devils leading for the first time on the day.

Eureka scored 12 consecutive points over a four minute span to give EC its first, and only, lead of the game at 44-42. Mark Darnall (Lake Mills, Wis./HS) book-ended the run with a three-pointer at the beginning and fast break lay up at the end.

Benedictine would tie the game with two free throws on the next possession and eventually regain an 11-point margin, 62-51, with five minutes to play. The Red Devils nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback from that point. Eureka sliced the deficit to four when Bell's steal and lay up capped seven straight points for EC. Bell later scored the last of his 18 points at the line to get the Red Devils within 64-62 with 1:12 remaining.

The Eagles hit three free throws, which were erased by a Jordan Kindred (Chrisman, Ill./HS) trey. Benedictine moved back on top by four with two more foul shots before Wildenradt canned his fifth three-pointer of the game with seven seconds left. A quick foul put Jared Bailey on the line where he went 5-for-6 in the last minute, including two with five seconds to go.

Wildenradt, who was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 18 points in two games of the event, misfired from deep on a potential game-tying shot. He had 19 against Benedictine, spurred by 5-for-8 three-point shooting.

Bell and Wilenradt combined for over half of Eureka's points. Bell also had six steals. Michael Zasada (McHenry, Ill./HS) and Darnall each recorded eight points. Zasada led all players in the game with 11 rebounds. The Red Devils set a season low with eight turnovers, while taking away 14 steals to enjoy an 18-5 advantage in points off turnovers.

Bailey led Benedictine with 16 points, nine boards and five assists. Rebounds were a big factor in the game, with the Eagles securing a commanding 50-25 edge. On the other side of the coin, Benedictine only managed an slim 8-6 lead in second chance points.

Eureka has two weeks before returning to action as conference play restarts Saturday, January 3 with a game versus Maryville University in St. Louis at 3:00 pm.

###

For More Information Contact:

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