A game-changing first-half surge propelled the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team (6-5) to an 81-66 victory over Eastern Illinois University (3-7) on Saturday at the Seabury Center in Berea, Kentucky.
Trailing 17-13, the Colonels turned the tide with an 11-point run sparked by George Kimble III. Kimble knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to start the rally, followed by a dunk from Montavious Myrick. Kimble capped the surge with a steal, a dunk, and a free throw, putting EKU ahead 24-17 with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half.
The Colonels continued to build their momentum, with Turner Buttry sinking two free throws to stretch the lead to double digits at 35-25. Myrick’s dunk on an inbounds play just before halftime sent EKU into the locker room with a commanding 39-28 advantage.
Eastern Illinois opened the second half with three quick points, cutting the deficit to eight. However, EKU responded with a dominant 14-2 run, highlighted by two 3-pointers from Jackson Holt. Holt’s second triple gave the Colonels a 15-point cushion, 48-33, with 16:28 remaining. Buttry followed with a three from the left wing, extending the lead to 20 points at 53-33 with 13:52 to play.
Holt continued his hot shooting, sinking two more 3-pointers to give EKU a 25-point lead, 62-37, with 11:16 left in the game. The Colonels’ long-range shooting was a key factor, as they connected on 17-of-38 attempts (44.7%) from beyond the arc. In contrast, Eastern Illinois struggled, making just 3-of-18 (16.7%) from deep.
Kimble led EKU with a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 18 points, seven steals, five assists, and four rebounds. Holt added 17 points, including 5-of-10 shooting from three, while Andrews contributed 15 points, going 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Buttry also chipped in 14 points for the Colonels.
For Eastern Illinois, Nakyel Shelton led all scorers with 22 points.
The Colonels will continue their reunion tour next Saturday when they face former Ohio Valley Conference and Atlantic Sun Conference rival Jacksonville State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at the Seabury Center in Berea.
