EUREKA, Ill. - In a hard-fought game in Eureka, IL, the Beloit College Buccaneers (0-11, 0-3 Midwest Conference) fell to Eureka College (6-4, 2-1 SLIAC) by a final score of 63-56.

Despite trailing significantly for most of the game, the Bucs showed remarkable resilience in the fourth quarter, outscoring Eureka 28-6 in the final period to turn what had been a 26-point deficit into a competitive finish. The Buccaneers struggled early, scoring just 3 points in the first quarter and trailing 57-39 going into the fourth.

Hadja Bayo (Round Rock, Texas) led Beloit with a double-double, recording 14 points and 15 rebounds, including 4 blocks. Her 15 rebounds mark a new career-high. Bailey Darneal (Colorado Springs, CO) provided a spark off the bench, scoring a career-high 12 points, while Julia Kennedy (South Milwaukee, WI) added 7 points and Aina Mallorqui (Valls, Spain) contributed a career-high 9 points.

Shooting proved challenging for the Buccaneers, who finished at 31.4% from the field and just 10% (2-20) from three-point range. However, they showed strength on the boards, collecting 44 rebounds compared to Eureka's 42.

The Red Devils built their lead through strong first-half play, leading 37-14 at halftime, but struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, shooting just 7.69% in the final period.

The Buccaneers don't return to the court until after Christmas. They will wrap up play in 2024 at Mount Mary (Milwaukee, Wis.) on Monday, December 30th. Tip off from the Bloechl Center is set for 1 pm.