For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Spartans fend off resilient Red Devils in home Classic

November 30, 2007

EUREKA, Ill. — Brittany Gardner (Mooresville, Ind./HS) tallied a game-high 24 points, but the Red Devils of Eureka College could not heat up enough after a 1-for-15 start from the field in a 72-64 non-conference loss to the University of Dubuque on day one of the EC Classic.

Briana Nelson lead three Spartans (4-2) in double figures with 17 points, while also grabbing eight rebounds.

Dubuque led 12-3 before the resilient Red Devils (0-4) sank their second field goal of the evening. From that point, the game was almost even. Eureka got as close as three before Dubuque went on a 18-8 scoring run to take a 32-19 advantage. The Spartans settled for a 34-24 lead at intermission.

Even after Dubuque's cushion swelled to 18, the Red Devils refused to go away. Nicole Fisher (Canton, Ill./HS) converted a three-point play commencing a 9-0 Eureka rally that closed the score to 52-45. Gardner, who scored 12 points in both halves, highlighted the run with a steal and driving lay up with just under 10 minutes remaining.

However, the Spartans' Jennifer Nichols canned a pair of key three-pointers to help Dubuque solidify its margin back up to 15. The Red Devils again came back by recording the next nine points to get as close as 70-64 in the waning moments. A late Spartans basket made the final 72-64.

Fisher posted her second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 15 boards. She helped EC gain a 46-37 rebounding advantage. Brandi Payne (Eureka, Ill./HS) sparked the Red Devil attack as well with several nifty dishes en route to six assists. Kim Downs (Kewanee, Ill./HS) and Shelby Naab (Beecher City, Ill./HS) combined for 12 points and 12 caroms off the bench in their first game of the season. Eureka shot 47 percent in the second half to finish at 38.5 (25-65) for the game.

Nelson (17) and Nichols (16) were joined by Katelyn Herrman (11) in double figures for Dubuque. Courtney Musser handed out eight assists. The Spartans shot 41.8 percent (28-67) from the field.

Greenville College slipped past Robert Morris Springfield in the opening game of the EC Classic 74-73. Greenville will take on Dubuque at 1:00 pm on day two. Eureka will square off with Robert Morris at 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