EKU MBB STARTS STRONG BUT NO. 7 TENNESSEE PULLS AWAY

Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team scored the first five points of the game, led by two eight minutes in and held No. 7 University of Tennessee to 24 percent shooting in the first half, but the Volunteers pulled away for an 84-49 victory on Wednesday at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Michael Moreno’s 3-pointer staked the visitors to a 5-0 lead.  A dunk from Isaiah Cozart put EKU ahead 11-9 with 11:51 on the clock.  A jumper from Tayshawn Comer had the Colonels within three, 20-17, with 7:56 remaining in the opening stanza.  However, Tennessee closed the first half on a 12-4 run.

After Comer’s basket, Eastern Kentucky didn’t score again until Leland Walker banked in a 3-pointer from the left wing to make it 27-20 with 3:02 before halftime.  UT built an 11-point lead, 32-21, at the break.

The Volunteers hit just 5-of-28 from the field (18 percent) to start the game and were held to 24 percent (8-of-34) shooting in the first half.  The Colonels made just 6-of-29 (21 percent) of their first half shots.  EKU forced 10 turnovers in the first 20 minutes of play, but UT turned 13 offensive rebounds into 14 second-chance points.

Tennessee scored the first 10 points of the second half to stretch its lead to 21 points, 42-21.  Cozart’s putback with 17:15 to go in the game was EKU’s first points of the second half.

Walker led Eastern Kentucky (4-5) with 13 points.  Moreno and Devontae Blanton combined for 15 rebounds.

The Volunteers (8-1) were led by Tyreke Key with 17 points.  Julian Phillips had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Colonels will return to Baptist Health Arena Saturday to host Boyce College at 7 p.m.  Saturday will be Healthcare Workers Appreciation Day – Presented by Baptist Health Richmond.  EKU Athletics would like to thank all health care workers by offering two complimentary tickets to the game.  Additional tickets can be purchased for a discounted rate of $5.  Link to redeem tickets can be found here.

— www.EKUSports.com —

Kevin Britton

Associate Director of EKUSports Communications

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