Women’s Basketball Preview: Red Devils Head to Blackburn for SLIAC Rematch

CARLINVILLE, Ill. – The Eureka women's basketball team returns to the road on Saturday afternoon for a SLIAC rematch at Blackburn, with tip-off set for 1 p.m. inside Dawes Gymnasium. The Red Devils will look to flip the script from the first meeting earlier this season, when the Beavers earned a 91-77 win in Eureka.

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FIRST MEETING:

The previous matchup between Eureka and Blackburn was one of the Red Devils' most competitive performances of the season. Eureka led after the first quarter and was within two points at halftime before the teams traded momentum throughout the second half. Allysa Taylor turned in a career night, pouring in a personal-best 24 points while adding seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Hart posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards, and Miracle Armstrong added 13 points and eight rebounds.

Despite multiple ties in the second half, Blackburn used a late fourth quarter run to create separation and secure the 91-77 victory.

LAST TIME OUT:

Eureka is coming off a tough home loss on Tuesday, falling 85-25 to Millikin. The Big Blue seized control early and never let up, holding the Red Devils to limited offensive opportunities throughout the afternoon. Courtney Hart led Eureka on the glass with seven rebounds, while Kayla Collins, Sierra Garcia-Reisch, and Miracle Armstrong each finished with five or more points. Despite the result, Eureka continued to compete defensively, forcing turnovers and generating steals as it worked through a challenging nonconference matchup.

RED DEVIL REPORT:

Eureka enters Saturday looking to rebound and build on the positives shown in its first meeting with the Beavers. A key storyline will be the presence of freshman guard Kayla Collins, who was unavailable in the initial matchup. Collins has made an immediate impact since joining the lineup, scoring 43 points across three games and posting a career-high 21 points against Monmouth on Dec. 29.

Staying out of early foul trouble will be another focal point for the Red Devils. With a small roster, maintaining discipline defensively and keeping key contributors on the floor will be critical.

BEAVER BREAKDOWN:

Blackburn comes into the contest at 2-9 overall and 1-2 in SLIAC play after splitting games at the UH Hilo Big Island Holiday Classic. The Beavers are led by junior guard Eizaenirys Allende Quinones, who averages 17.6 points per game and leads the team in multiple statistical categories. Kenadee Frey provides consistency from the perimeter and at the free-throw line, while senior Zoe Mitchell anchors the rebounding effort.

Blackburn's balanced scoring and ability to generate opportunities from the free throw line were on display in the first meeting and will again pose a challenge for Eureka.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Eureka will return home following Saturday's contest to host Mississippi University for Women on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. MUW enters the week still searching for its first SLIAC win, setting up another key conference matchup for the Red Devils.