JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The Beloit College Men's Basketball team suffered their first Midwest Conference loss of the season this evening at the hands of league leading Illinois College. After a back and forth first half, the Buccaneers fought to within one and trailed 35-36 at the half. IC pulled away late in the second half and handed the Buccaneers their first loss, 67-80. 

The Buccaneers (10-3, 4-1 MWC) struggled to find their footing for most of the game, shooting just 31.7% (19-60) from the field. Despite losing the points in the paint battle, Beloit won on the boards, out rebounding Illinois College (13-1, 5-0 MWC) 43-35. Halfway through the 2nd half, the Blue Boys took their largest lead of the game, ten. A made free throw with 3 minutes to go cut the Buccaneers deficit to seven, however they were never able to overcome it. 

Beloit was led by Azeez Ganiyu (Beloit, Wis.) and Semaj Roy (Chicago, Ill.). Both posting double figures, Ganiyu tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks while Roy posted 11 points and six rebounds before fouling out after 27 minutes of action. Off the bench, Anthony Carter (Greenfield, Wis.) saw 23 minutes of action, adding eight points, two assists and two steals. 

The Buccaneers look to rebound and regroup for a quick turnaround against Monmouth College on Saturday. Beloit defeated Monmouth earlier this season, 63-56 in Monmouth, Ill. Saturday's game tips off at 1pm at Flood Arena in Beloit, Wis.