Devontae Blanton scored 16 points in Eastern Kentucky University’s 75-61 loss to Texas A&M – Commerce at the Capital Classic on Sunday.
EKU went 2-1 in the classic hosted by Georgia State University, picking up wins over the host team and UNC Asheville on Friday and Saturday.
The Colonels will be back home at Baptist Health Arena on Wednesday to host Brescia University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
John Ukomadu’s baseline jumper and Leland Walkers old-fashioned three-point play gave Eastern Kentucky a 54-50 lead with 9:50 left in the game. However, the Colonels scored just two points over the next 8:11 and the Lions pulled away. Demarcus Demonia’s dunk capped the 21-2 run and put Texas A&M – Commerce in front by 15, 71-56.
A free throw from Walker with 1:39 ended the Lion run.
Blanton added six rebounds and three assists. Cooper Robb contributed 13 points. Walker finished with 10 points.
Demonia had a game-high 22 points for TAMUC.
The Lions hit 13 three-pointers and shot 47 percent from the field. EKU held a 33-32 rebounding advantage and turned the ball over five fewer times. Eastern Kentucky made just 4-of-21 from deep.
Blanton’s jumper off a Walker steal gave the Colonels their largest lead of the game at seven points, 25-18. The hot shooting Commerce squad erased the deficit. The Lions hit eight 3-pointers and shot 50 percent from the field in the first half.
Threes from C.J. Roberts and JJ Romer Rosario tied the game at 26-26 with 5:35 to go. The eighth triple of the half, this time by Kalen Williams, came with 38 seconds to go and broke a 33-33 tie, sending TAMUC to the locker room in front by three.
EKU started the second half with a 16-8 run. Blanton and Ukomadu converted and-one situations. Robb hit a 3-pointer from the left wing. DaShawn Jackson’s two free throws finished off the strong start and had the Colonels on top 49-44 with 11:48 to play.
Kevin Britton
Associate Director of EKUSports Communications
Eastern Kentucky University