It was another close contest between the in-state ASUN Conference foes Bellarmine and Eastern Kentucky as the Colonels pulled out a 73-63 win at Baptist Health Arena.
The game was neck and neck, but a strong 16-7 run in the final 4:56 gave Eastern the edge and the victory. It was a different outcome than their previous meeting on Thursday, where Bellarmine took the win with a 13-3 run in the last five minutes.
Bellarmine got off to a hot start, shooting 58% in the first half, but cooled down in the second period, finishing with just 34% shooting. Despite their efforts, it was the rebounding that made the difference in the game. According to Bellarmine Head Coach Scott Davenport, “In the first half, they outrebounded us by one, and it’s a two-point game. At the under eight (timeout), they are up four rebounds for the game, and the score is tied. They end up plus-nine rebounds for the game, and we lose by 10 points.”
Leading the way for Eastern was Devontae Blanton with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Leland Walker also made a big impact, adding 20 points off the bench.
Bellarmine was led by Garrett Tipton with 17 points, and Juston Betz with 13 points and seven rebounds. Other key contributors for the Knights included Peter Suder with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Alec Pfriem with nine points, six boards, and five assists.
The Knights will be back home for their next two games, hosting ASUN co-leader Kennesaw State on Thursday and Jacksonville State on Saturday. Coach Davenport emphasized the importance of these games, stating, “I told the team, the next game we play it will be February, and that’s all you need to say.”
