Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team is set to host the University of Tennessee at Martin in the first game of the EKU Classic at Baptist Health Arena this Friday. The matchup promises exciting basketball action and additional incentives for fans, including a charitable initiative and a chance to win tickets to an EKU football game.
As part of the EKU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Canned Food Drive, fans can contribute by bringing a canned food item for donation and receive a generous 50 percent discount on their ticket at the door. Furthermore, the first 100 fans to arrive will be treated to a FREE ticket for the upcoming EKU football game against Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.
The game, proudly presented by Baptist Health Richmond, is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. For those in the Richmond area, the radio broadcast of the game is available on WCYO 100.7 FM, while global audiences can tune in on EKUSports.com.
Tickets for the EKU Classic opener are already on sale and can be purchased online at EKUSports.com or by calling 859-622-2122, providing fans with the opportunity to secure their seats for an exciting basketball showcase.
The Colonels in Focus:
- EKU, currently ranked No. 17 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid Major Top 25, has made an impressive start to the season with a 2-0 record, including a dominant 133-75 win against Wilberforce last Friday.
- Leland Walker showcased his playmaking prowess, setting an EKU record with 16 assists against Wilberforce, in addition to contributing 15 points and eight rebounds.
- Isaiah Cozart had a standout performance, recording a new career-best with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks. His outstanding contributions earned him the ASUN Player of the Week recognition.
- The Colonels, through Tuesday’s games, lead the nation in several categories, including scoring (120.5 ppg), scoring margin (47 ppg), fastbreak points (40.5 ppg), and assists (30.5 apg). They also rank second in rebounds (54.5 rpg) and blocks (8.5 bpg).
- Cozart’s defensive prowess is evident as he leads the nation in blocks (4.5 bpg) and offensive rebounds (8 rpg), while Walker ranks second in the NCAA with 9.5 assists per game.
Scouting the Opponent – UT Martin:
- UT Martin enters the contest with a 2-1 record, defeating Champion Christian 104-76 and Brescia 90-72 but falling to Mississippi State 87-63.
- The Skyhawks are averaging 85.7 points per game, shooting 45 percent from the field. They have shown defensive resilience, holding opponents to 38 percent shooting.
- Jordan Sears, a 2023 First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference guard, leads UT Martin with an average of 18 points per game, showcasing his scoring efficiency from both the field and beyond the arc.
- Newcomer Jacob Crews is making an impact, averaging 14 points and grabbing a team-best 10.3 rebounds per game.
Inside the Series:
- EKU leads the all-time series against UT Martin with a 32-20 record and has secured four consecutive victories against the Skyhawks.
- The series dates back to Feb. 1, 1992, and the most recent encounter occurred on Feb. 18, 2021, resulting in an 89-72 EKU win in Martin, Tennessee.
- Current Colonels Michael Moreno and Devontae Blanton, both key contributors, played in the most recent contest against the Skyhawks, demonstrating the continuity and experience within the EKU lineup.
The anticipation is high as Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team looks forward to an exciting clash against UT Martin in the EKU Classic opener, providing fans with a thrilling basketball experience and the chance to support a charitable cause.
