Hart Posts 23-Point, 22-Rebound Night in Loss to MUW

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka women's basketball team attempted to defend their home court for the first time in 2026 but fell 88-61 against MUW. This loss highlights the first of two meetings between these teams this season, as MUW will prepare to host Eureka on February 7^th, with tip-off being at 1 p.m. 

MUW got out to an early lead behind senior guard Conley Langford, who scored 10 points in the opening frame and knocked down a pair of early triples. Although Eureka pulled together a number of second-chance opportunities, they missed multiple putbacks, allowing MUW to take advantage. The Owls continued to capitalize on turnovers and transition chances, stretching the lead to 12 after a 12‑0 run. Eureka finally responded late when both a Railynn Brown (Erlanger, Ky./Lloyd Memorial) three and a Kayla Collins (Fort Worth, Texas/Fort Worth Christian) triple pulled the Red Devils within one, but a Jessica Hughes corner three in the final seconds pushed MUW ahead 17-13 after one. 

Eureka began the second quarter with a second‑chance triple from Kenna Newton (Toulon, Ill./Stark County) to cut the point deficit to one, but MUW immediately answered with another Langford three. From that point on, the Owls took over. Turnovers by Eureka continued to fuel MUW's transition game, highlighted by a Hughes three and a Langford fast‑break layup. MUW's defensive intensity forced multiple bad passes, and the Owls built a dominant run that pushed the lead into double digits. Eureka struggled to score outside of a Collins jumper, and MUW closed the half in complete control, outscoring the Red Devils 25-10 in the period. 

To open the second half, Courney Hart (Lancaster, Calif./Yosemite) became a steady force for Eureka, scoring inside the paint and controlling the glass. The Red Devils finally found some rhythm, putting together 19 points in the quarter, which happened to be their best offensive stretch of the night. Unfortunately for Eureka, every time they attempted to build momentum, MUW responded. Langford continued to score from behind the arc, and MUW's guards pushed the pace off turnovers. The Owls maintained a comfortable lead throughout the quarter, matching Eureka's improved offense with consistent shot‑making of their own. 

MUW's depth took over in the final frame. Their bench contributed key buckets, and the Owls continued to score in transition as Eureka's turnovers piled up. Eureka received late threes from Collins and Brown, while Hart continued to battle inside, but MUW's pace and efficiency were too strong. The Owls won the quarter 25-19 and sealed the conference victory.  

Eureka was paced by Hart's 23 points and 22 rebounds after a dominant outing in the paint. Collins added 21 points and four assists, while Brown punched in nine points and five boards. Brooklyn Bowman (Washington, Ill./Washington) contributed across the stat sheet as well with eight rebounds and six assists, helping the Red Devils finish with 50 rebounds and 22 second‑chance points. 

UP NEXT

Eureka continues their short homestand on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against Lyon College in yet another SLIAC matchup. This will be the first time these teams face off against each other this season.