For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

No Payne, no gain: Brandi scores 1st double-double

January 7, 2008

EUREKA, Ill. — Eureka senior Brandi Payne (Eureka, Ill./HS) posted 10 points and 10 rebounds for her first career double-double as the Red Devils fell at home to Robert Morris College of Springfield 66-58 Monday night.

Turnovers dug Eureka (1-9) into a deep halftime hole, and for the second consecutive game, the Red Devils responded with an improved attack in the second half outscoring the Eagles (6-11) 38-31.

Lindsey Rogers led Robert Morris to a 12-3 run late in the opening stanza with eight of her 16 first half points as the Eagles gained a 35-17 advantage. Eureka's Brittany Gardner (Mooresville, Ind./HS) sank three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt to get EC within 35-20 at the break.

The second half did not begin much better for the Red Devils as Robert Morris ran off 13 of the first 17 points for the largest lead of the game at 48-24 with less than six minutes gone by.

Nicole Ropp (Minonk, Ill./Fieldcrest) made one and Gardner, who tied for team-high honors with 18 points on the strength of a trio of treys, accounted for all four of Eureka's made three-pointers on the night in a span of just three minutes late in the half. The Red Devils sliced a 20 point deficit with 6:19 remaining to seven in the final minute with a 19-6 rally. Gardner also handed out four assists and grabbed seven rebounds.

Nicole Fisher (Canton, Ill./HS) tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds, marking her fifth game with at least 15 caroms this season. She moved ahead of Tina Sharp (1,123 points, 1992-96) and Jami Larson (1,128 points, 1989-93) into fourth place on the Eureka College career points list. She has now passed three EC Hall of Famers in the last two games. With two players in double figures, the Red Devils out-rebounded Robert Morris 47-35.

Despite being held to one field goal after halftime, Rogers led all players with 20 points toward the Robert Morris cause. Katie Fleetwood added 14, while Karrie McCormick had 11 points, 13 rebounds and seven steals. The Eagles overcame a 29 percent (5-for-17) struggle from the foul line with 41.5 percent (27-for-65) field goal shooting. It was the highest field goal percentage Eureka has allowed in six games.

Eureka hosts Fontbonne University for a conference doubleheader Wednesday, January 9. The women's game will start at 6:00 pm with the men's contest scheduled for 8:00 pm.

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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