Eureka led almost the entire way, but never by more than seven in a closely contested first half. Senior guard Molly Hardesty made all three of her shots from the field in the opening 20 minutes, recording 10 points and staking EC to a 29-23 halftime edge.
The Red Devils' defense took over in the second half, holding Knox (2-6) without a point for over eight minutes to start the half. Leading 38-29 with ten minutes left, EC went on a 13-3 surge to put the game out of reach for Knox.
Eureka forced 29 turnovers and outscored the Prairie Fire at the charity stripe 26-12. Knox shot 23 percent (6-26) in the second half and EC held a 28-8 advantage in points off turnovers.
Junior Mandi Sistek led Eureka with 15 points and five boards. Brittany Gardner saved 11 of her 13 points for the final five minutes of the game. Nicole Fisher and Hardesty ended with 13 and 11 points respectively.
Jenna Finley led Knox with 15 points and three steals.
Eureka begins conference play on Saturday, Jan. 7 against Concordia University, River Forest at 1:30 p.m.