BELOIT, WI – In a game that defined the "see-saw" nature of collegiate basketball, the Beloit College Buccaneers saw a dominant early lead evaporate in the final moments, falling 62-61 to Monmouth College this afternoon at Flood Arena. Despite a masterclass performance from their starting core, the Buccaneers (4-10, 1-4 MWC) were unable to hold off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Fighting Scots (5-10, 1-5 MWC).
Beloit came out of the gates with intensity, stifling Monmouth's offense and establishing a 12-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Buccaneers' defense was the story of the first half, holding Monmouth to a meager 15% shooting in the opening period.
The momentum stayed firmly with the Bucs through the second quarter. Julia Kennedy (South Milwaukee, WI) and Bailey Darneal (Colorado Springs, CO) found their rhythm from beyond the arc, while Beloit's interior defense forced Monmouth into difficult contested shots. By halftime, Beloit held a comfortable 36-27 lead, looking every bit the dominant force on their home court.
The Buccaneers were led by two standout performances. Hailey Johnson (South Milwaukee, Wis.) was the engine for Beloit, recording a massive double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Her impact wasn't just on the glass; she distributed the ball effectively with a team-high 6 assists and anchored the defense with 4 emphatic blocks. Kennedy led the team in scoring with 14 points, including three critical three-pointers. Her ability to draw fouls and convert at the line (3-for-3) provided Beloit with steady offense when the Monmouth press intensified. Kaitlin Davis (Platte City, Mo.) was relentless in the paint, hauling down 13 rebounds (12 defensive) to limit Monmouth's second-chance opportunities for much of the game.
The game's narrative shifted dramatically in the second half. Monmouth began to chip away at the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Beloit 14-9. The Buccaneers struggled to find the same shooting touch that gave them the early advantage, and the Scots' bench depth began to take its toll.
The fourth quarter was a pure adrenaline rush. Beloit maintained a slim lead for much of the period, but the momentum swung in Monmouth's favor during the final three minutes. After trailing for over 37 minutes of the contest, Monmouth took their first lead of the game with only 36 seconds remaining following a Tiah Riggs layup.
In a frantic final sequence, Kennedy hit a clutch three-pointer with just three seconds left on the clock to bring the Buccaneers within one point. However, time proved to be Beloit's ultimate enemy. The Buccaneers were forced to foul, and despite a missed free throw by the Scots, Beloit could not get a final shot off before the buzzer sounded.
The Buccaneers return to the hardwood on Tuesday, January 13th on the road against Lake Forest. Tip off from the Lake Forest Sports and Recreation Center is set for 7:30 pm.
