As the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) men’s basketball team aims for its fourth consecutive win in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), the Colonels are set to conclude their two-game road trip against North Alabama on Saturday. Here’s an overview of the upcoming match:
Game Details:
- The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Additionally, fans in the Richmond area can catch the live radio broadcast on WCYO 100.7 FM, while a worldwide stream is available on EKUSports.com.
EKU Highlights:
- Conference Success:
- EKU secured a convincing 86-63 victory over Central Arkansas in their last game, extending their overall record to 7-9 and an impressive 3-0 start in the ASUN. This marks the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Colonels have initiated conference play with three straight wins.
- Three-Point Prowess:
- The Colonels showcased their sharpshooting skills by hitting a season-high 13 three-pointers against Central Arkansas, finishing 13-for-30 (43 percent). This performance surpassed their previous best of 11 three-pointers achieved on three occasions.
- Defensive Dominance:
- EKU’s defense held Central Arkansas to a mere 2-for-12 shooting from behind the arc (16.7 percent). The Bears struggled from beyond the three-point line after hitting their first two attempts.
- Michael Moreno Milestones:
- Michael Moreno had a standout performance, finishing with a season-best 20 points against Central Arkansas. He also made six three-pointers, reaching the milestone of 300 three-pointers in his career. Moreno currently holds several program records, including first in three-pointers made (304) and games played (146).
Opponent Scout – North Alabama:
- Recent Performance:
- North Alabama secured a 69-53 win over Bellarmine in their previous game, improving their season record to 7-9 and 1-1 in league games.
- Key Players:
- Damian Forrest, a 6-foot-9 senior forward for North Alabama, leads the team in rebounds with 8.5 per game and contributes 8.7 points per contest.
- Jacari Lane, a 6-foot sophomore guard, leads North Alabama with 14.1 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Inside the Match-Up:
- Isaiah Cozart’s Shot-Blocking Prowess:
- Isaiah Cozart has been a defensive force for EKU, blocking 63 shots this season. This surpasses the shot-blocking performance of 241 NCAA teams, including North Alabama (50).
- Assist Discrepancy:
- North Alabama ranks ninth in the ASUN with 12.06 assists per game, with Lane and KJ Johnson accounting for a significant portion. EKU’s focus on sharing the ball and teamwork will play a crucial role.
Series History:
- The series between EKU and North Alabama is currently tied 2-2. Notably, two of the four contests have gone into overtime, highlighting the competitiveness of their matchups.
- In their last meeting during the ASUN Tournament on Feb. 28, 2023, EKU secured a dominant 73-48 win, showcasing strong performances from Devontae Blanton, Isaiah Cozart, and John Ukomadu.
As EKU looks to maintain its winning streak in the ASUN, the upcoming clash against North Alabama promises to be a competitive battle with historical ties and exciting player matchups.
