MONMOUTH, Ill. - Beloit College gave Monmouth College all they could handle for 30 minutes before ultimately falling 69-60 in this afternoon's Midwest Conference basketball action. The Buccaneers (3-4, 1-1 MWC) showed promise early, building a nine-point first-half lead before Monmouth (5-1, 2-0 MWC) rallied to secure the win.

Senior forward Azeez Ganiyu (Beloit, Wis.) led Beloit's effort with 17 points and 8 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-for-13 from the field. Sophomore guard Anthony Carter (Greenfield, Wis.) contributed 15 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while senior Ryan Nixon (Waukesha, Wis.) provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.

The game was deadlocked 31-31 at halftime, with the Bucs controlling much of the opening period. The Buccaneers' defense held Monmouth to 0-for-10 from three-point range in the first half, but the Fighting Scots adjusted after intermission, hitting 3 of 11 from deep in the second period.

The turning point came midway through the second half when Monmouth put together a decisive 10-0 run. Despite Beloit's efforts to close the gap, including some late three-pointers from Carter and Nixon, they couldn't overcome the deficit.

A key factor was free throw disparity - Monmouth attempted 29 free throws to Beloit's 13. While the Buccaneers were efficient at the line (76.9%), the volume difference proved crucial in the final margin.

The loss marks Beloit's first conference defeat of the season, they will look to bounce back against Cornell on the 14th. Tip off from Flood Arena on Saturday is set for 3 pm.