BELOIT, WI — In a mid-week conference clash at Flood Arena, Beloit College (5-8, 0-4 MWC) faced a tough challenge against Knox College (6-8, 2-3 MWC), eventually falling 77-58 this evening. While the final score favored the Prairie Fire, the Buccaneers showcased a resilient second-half performance and dominant individual efforts on the glass.
Beloit's offensive effort was spearheaded by Anthony Carter (Greenfield, Wis.), who logged nearly 34 minutes of action. Carter finished with a team-high 11 points and was the primary engine for the Beloit backcourt. Supporting him was Austin Walker (Princeville, Ill.), who provided a spark of efficiency, shooting an impressive 80% (4-for-5) from the field to finish with 10 points.
In the paint, the Buccaneers were led by a relentless rebounding duo. Thomas Glenn (Waukesha, Wis.) and Semaj Roy (Chicago, Ill.) each hauled down 10 rebounds, helping Beloit remain competitive on the boards. Glenn, in particular, was a defensive presence, recording two of the team's four blocks and adding 8 points to his double-digit rebounding night. Will Schubert (Fox Lake, Ill.) also contributed 9 points, proving to be a reliable target in Beloit's half-court sets.
The story of the game was a tale of two halves. Knox College seized early control, holding Beloit to just 20 points in the first half on 29.2% shooting. Knox utilized a balanced attack led by Josh Stewart (16 points, 13 rebounds) to build a 36-20 lead heading into the locker room.
However, the momentum shifted significantly in the second period as Beloit found its rhythm. The Buccaneers emerged from halftime with renewed energy, nearly doubling their offensive output. Beloit's shooting accuracy jumped from a cold 29% in the first half to a much more formidable 45.5% in the second half.
The definitive momentum shift occurred around the 7:10 mark of the second half. Trailing significantly, the Buccaneers ignited a 6-0 scoring run, fueled by defensive stops and quick transition play. During this stretch, Beloit cut into the lead and forced Knox into several uncomfortable possessions, proving that the Buccaneers have the firepower to compete with the top tier of the conference when their shots are falling.
Beloit's depth was on display as the bench contributed 15 points. Zayn Young (Milwaukee, Wis.) (6 points) and Owen Geiger (Fort Atkinson, Wis.) (4 points) provided critical minutes during the second-half surge, allowing the starters to maintain a high level of intensity. Despite the deficit, Beloit's grit was evident in the "Points in the Paint" category, where they battled Knox to a 28-38 margin, refusing to be bullied under the basket.
While Knox's hot shooting from the free-throw line (88.9% in the second half) helped them ice the game, Beloit can take away significant positives from their second-half execution. The Buccaneers demonstrated they could match Knox's pace, scoring 38 points in the final frame to Knox's 41.
The Buccaneers return to action on Saturday when they host Monmouth College for another MWC clash. Tip off from Flood Arena is set for 1 pm.
