The Thorobreds (0-2) exploded in the first half, leading by as much 14 points, but a slow offensive start to the second half put a damper on the possible upset. The Colonels (1-1) are picked to finish fourth in the OVC and had two players selected to the all-conference squad. EKU now holds a 3-1 all-time record against KSU.
“Our guys played tough and went in with confidence, and it showed,” said head coach Jamaal Jackson. ” We have to figure out a way to keep our performance at a high level when we go to our bench. With our lack of three-point shooting, we have to turn our defense up and be more efficient with our possessions offensively. As I’ve stated before, as long as we continue to improve as a team, we will be where we need to be.”
The first half showcased the offensive firepower of the Thorobreds as the visiting squad jumped out to a 12-2 advantage behind the aggressive play of Croon and senior guard Reggie Breeden. The Thorobreds lead built to 27-13 with 6:30 left to go in the half, but EKU answered with an offensive attack to end the half on a 22-8 run, trailing 36-35.
EKU put together another offensive run at 17-3 to begin the second half, putting KSU at a 52-39 disadvantage, leading to the eventual final.
Croon turned in a team-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the floor and a team-high nine rebounds. Breeden added 13 points while dishing out three assists. Junior guard Felix Wilson turned in 32 minutes of action at the point guard position, collecting a team-high seven assists and only two turnovers.
Up next, KSU will take on Malone University for the home opener at the Exum Center on Saturday at 5 pm ET.
by Eric Mathews
