The Eastern Kentucky Colonels hosted the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Memorial Coliseum on Thursday February 2, 2023. The Colonels offense wasted no time, applying pressure at tip-off resulting in a 9-point lead within the first 5 minutes of the game. The Gamecocks followed in suit by putting up 3 points on the scoreboard thanks to 6’9 forward, Amanze Ngumezi.
The physicality and athleticism of the Gamecocks seem to be an even match for the Colonels as the score rose by no more than a 3-point lead for the majority of the first half.
Key plays for the Colonels by forward Devontae Blanton putting up 11 points and 4 rebounds combined with guard Tayshawn Comer, scoring a total 8 points resulted in 36 in total points and 17 total rebounds.
Ngumezi and Monzy both managed to put up 8 points apiece for the Gamecocks contributing to a total 36 points, 21 rebounds closing out the first half.
Similar to the start of the game, the Colonels came out quick and aggressive in the second half, helping gain a small lead, but not before the Gamecocks offense reciprocated the favor. With 10 minutes left in the half the Gamecocks managed to pull ahead by 2 points making the score 52-50.
Energy rose in Memorial Coliseum as Cozart dunked with 2:54 minutes left in the game pulling the colonels ahead 61-60 after multiple attempts at shooting had seemed unsuccessful. A foul by the Gamecocks gave a free throw to the colonels and the ball fell out of bounds. This gave the Colonels possession of the ball where Comer was able to pass the ball to Robb, ultimately shooting the winning game point for the Colonels with a final score of 69-67.
Coach Hamilton spoke about the dramatic finish after the game saying, “Good teams believe in each other, they trust each other. I’m really proud of the guys, things weren’t going our way but they kept fighting and we found a way to win that game which was a big win for us.”
The Colonels play again on Saturday, February 4th against Kennesaw state in Richmond, Kentucky.