Blackburn Men's Basketball Opens Season

CARLINVILLE, IL -- The Blackburn College Men's Basketball team opened their 2025-26 season Saturday with a home game against NAIA foe Williams Baptist University but were unable to capture victory as they fell 99-82. 

Freshman Evan Jordan led the Beavers with 21 points and nine rebounds, going 3-6 from the three point line. Freshman Jaylen Jeter added 18 points with seven rebounds while junior Payton Cook chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds, including six offensive. 

The Eagles jumped out to a 30-15 lead through the first 10 minutes. Blackburn managed to make it 31-22 with less than seven minutes to go in the first half, but WBU regained control and took a 46-35 lead into the break. 

To start the second half, junior Kcion Welch made two free throws to cut the deficit to 46-37. After an Eagle basket, Jeter, Welch, and Jordan made layups to pull within 48-43. 

A Jordan three-pointer at the 14:37 mark made it 56-49, but the Beavers would be unable to get any closer before WBU captured the 99-82 victory. 

Blackburn will return to action Tuesday when they host Knox College in nonconference action.