For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Fisher leads spirited 2nd half comeback attempt vs. Knox

December 14, 2007

GALESBURG, Ill. — Behind yet another vintage Nicole Fisher (Canton, Ill./HS) performance, the Eureka Red Devils rallied back from a 11 point halftime deficit to take a late lead at Knox College only to see the Prairie Fire tally the final six points of the game to take a 53-47 decision. Fisher posted game highs with 21 points and 18 rebounds, which represents the third game out of the last four the senior forward has grabbed at least 18 boards.

Eureka (1-7) trailed 27-16 at halftime, but reeled off the first 10 points of the second half. Later, Brittany Gardner (Mooresville, Ind./HS) sank her third trey of the game to tie the score for the first time all night at 29 with 15:23 remaining. Knox (3-4) quickly converted a three-point play, and was able to hold the lead for another six minutes before Nicole Ropp (Minonk, Ill./Fieldcrest) dropped in a three-pointer to knot the count at 40 at the 8:30 mark.

Fisher went on to give the Red Devils a couple of short-lived leads. She hit a jumper that made it 42-40 and a pair of free throws with 3:07 to play that made it 45-44. With 1:32 on the clock, she tied the game for the final time at 47 after Erin Navolio had moved Knox back in front with a three-pointer.

Despite shooting just 37 percent (7-19) from the line in the game, Knox made four out of seven attempts down the stretch to pull out the victory. The Prairie Fire enjoyed a +7 rebounding margin in the first half leading to an 11 point lead, but allowed 11 second chance points to Eureka as the Red Devils got back into the game.

Brandi Payne (Eureka, Ill./HS) was a key contributor for EC in that effort with nine rebounds. Gardner recorded 11 points and three steals. Kim Downs (Kewanee, Ill./HS) had five steals, five caroms and four assists. The Red Devils were 4-for-7 from long range, which was better than their identical 33.3 percentages for field goals (19-57) and free throws (5-15).

Navolio led Knox with 15 points. Kate Moon had 10 of her team high 11 rebounds in the first half.

The Red Devils have a long break before their next game versus conference foe Maryville University on the road January 5. The women's contest will be the second game of a doubleheader as the men's tilt is slated for 1:00 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