CARLINVILLE, Ill. – The Spalding University men's basketball team falls to the Beavers in their first SLIAC contest, 60-64. The Golden Eagles fall to 0-1 in SLIAC play and 2-11 overall.
 
In the first half, the Golden Eagles would take advantage of turnovers and missed shots by the Beavers as Christian Stewart would get some points in the paint to put Spalding up by seven. The Beavers would then continue to hit shots beyond the arc to eventually tie the lead as fouls would put Blackburn on the line. With 23 seconds left in the first, Tylan Mann would add two more to give Spalding the lead before halftime, making it 32-30.
 
Blackburn would take the lead with 12 minutes left in the second as both teams would trade baskets. Brian Tribble would flush a three pointer to put the Golden Eagles up by four. However, the Beavers would get sent to the free throw line to give Blackburn the seven-point lead. Despite Jacoby Johnson hitting a three as he was fouled, he would miss the extra point as Blackburn walks away with the win, 64-60.
 
Christian Stewart would finish with a double-double as he records 18 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. Tylan Mann finished with 13 points, two assists, and five rebounds, while Jacoby Johnson put 11 through the basket with five dishes to his teammates.
 
Up next, the Golden Eagles will compete to go 1-1 in SLIAC play as they take on the Fontbonne Griffins at home on Saturday, January 8^th with a tipoff time at 3 pm ET.