(Feb. 6, 2010) Carlinville, IL - The Principia men's team led by as many as 11 points in the second half only to see its lead slowly slip away, resulting in a 66-60 loss on the road to Blackburn College. The Panthers lead most of the way but a 3-pointer with 3:32 left in the game by Blackburn's Brandon Roberts gave the Beavers a 2 point lead which they never relinquished.
Blackburn now improves to 2-10 in SLIAC play while Prin falls to 2-9 in conference play. The last time these two teams played Prin defeated Blackburn by 17 in Elsah.
One bright spot in the game,
Todd Zimmerman held Blackburn sharpshooter, Todd West, scoreless. Zimmerman earned a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He also added 8 assists.
Stanley Beal also recorded a double double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Sam Douglas had 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Once the lead leaders in 3-point shooting, Prin suffered from beyond the arc tonight only hitting 6-33 shots for 18%. The Panthers shot an overall 32%, well below their average of 42% from the field.
Blackburn was lead by Rod Sykes, one of the league's best. Sykes scored 22 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, 7 of them on the offensive side.
Prin hosts Eureka College on Tuesday night at 8pm.