Third-quarter troubles prove costly for Knox
Knox College held the lead at halftime but could not sustain its momentum, falling 82-59 to Linfield at the Hoops in Hawaiʻi Classic on Dec. 22.
The Prairie Fire (3-8 overall, 2-1 Midwest Conference) played at a fast pace early and led 22-18 after the first quarter behind an 8-of-13 shooting effort. Knox extended the advantage in the second quarter and carried a 35-33 lead into halftime after leading by as many as eight points.
The game turned in the third quarter, when Linfield (8-2) opened the half with a 13-0 run and outscored Knox 21-7 in the period. The Wildcats’ defense held the Prairie Fire to 1-of-15 shooting in the quarter.
Foul trouble compounded the challenge for Knox, particularly in the fourth quarter as five players reached four fouls within the first three minutes. Linfield took advantage at the free-throw line, making 18 of 25 attempts in the second half.
Knox found more offense in the final quarter but could not slow Linfield, which outscored the Prairie Fire 28-15 in the period.
Bria Medina led Knox with 26 points and paced the team with five steals. She also had three assists and tied for the team lead with five rebounds. Kylee Callahan added 11 points and five rebounds, while Izzy Robinson finished with six points and three assists.
As a team, Knox shot 38.5% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 88.9% from the free-throw line.
The Prairie Fire return to action Jan. 3 at Lake Forest.
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