Senior guard Michael Moreno etched his name in Eastern Kentucky University’s record books on Sunday afternoon, draining the 3-pointer that cemented his place as the program’s all-time leader in career treys. As the final horn sounded on a dominant 121-56 victory over Bethany College, the cheers of the Baptist Health Arena crowd echoed with a special significance, celebrating not only the win but also Moreno’s historic achievement.
Breaking the Record
Entering the game needing just one three to tie the record of 283 held by Matt Witt (2002-06), Moreno wasted no time. With 3:48 remaining in the opening period, he launched a shot from the right wing that found its mark, sending a wave of excitement through the EKU faithful. But Moreno wasn’t done yet. With 15:35 left in the game, he nailed another triple from the right wing, etching his name alone atop the record list and sparking an eruption of cheers.
More Than Just a Record
While the record-breaking shot undoubtedly stole the spotlight, Moreno’s contributions went beyond the stat sheet. He finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds, playing his usual steady and reliable role within the Colonels’ offensive system.
Balanced Attack Powers EKU
EKU’s victory was a true team effort, with Collin Cooper leading the charge with 20 points and four steals. John Ukomadu logged a double-double with 18 points and a career-best 16 rebounds, adding three assists, two steals, and two blocks to his impressive stat line. Montavious Myrick also enjoyed a career night, pouring in 11 points to contribute to the Colonels’ offensive firepower.
Dominant Performance
The Colonels’ dominance was evident throughout the game. They shot a blistering 58% from the field, outrebounded the Bison 55-27, and forced a staggering 29 turnovers. EKU also controlled the paint, owning a 74-22 advantage in points scored inside the arc. The home squad’s unselfishness was also on display, dishing out 27 assists on their 50 made field goals.Bethany Briefly Ahead, Then EKU Takes Control
Bethany College started the game with a brief 5-1 lead before the Colonels roared back to life with a decisive 25-3 run. The run was fueled by dunks from Ukomadu and Myrick, a three-pointer from Leland Walker, and a clutch layup from Myrick to put EKU ahead 26-8. The Colonels never looked back, extending their lead to 23 points by the midway point of the first half and ultimately cruising to a resounding victory.
Looking Ahead
EKU’s win over Bethany was a feel-good performance, marked by Moreno’s record-breaking achievement and a dominant team effort. The Colonels will now turn their attention to a road challenge against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Wednesday, where they will look to build on their momentum and continue their climb up the standings.
With Moreno leading the way and the rest of the team clicking on all cylinders, EKU has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Colonels’ journey promises to be exciting, and fans can be sure that Moreno’s record-breaking moment will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in Eastern Kentucky basketball history.
