Categories: College University Athletics

Eastern Kentucky University Men’s Basketball Faces Setback

The EKU Colonels in action during their game against Jacksonville University.

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News Summary

The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team suffered a disappointing loss to Jacksonville University in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament quarterfinals, ending the game at 78-67. Despite a promising first half with an 11-point lead, the Colonels’ performance faltered in the second half, leading to a challenging defeat. Key players contributed significantly in the initial stages, but the team’s struggle in the latter half cost them the game. As tournaments progress, EKU’s focus will shift to recovering from this setback and improving their standing in the ASUN.

Jacksonville, Florida – A Tough Night for EKU Men’s Basketball

In a gripping showdown at Swisher Gym, the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team found themselves in a surprising turn of events as they battled the Jacksonville University Dolphins in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament quarterfinals. The game, taking place on Monday, saw the Colonels initially hold an edge but ultimately succumb to the Dolphins with a final score of 78-67.

A Promising Start

Things started off on the right foot for the Colonels, who jumped to an impressive 11-point lead by halftime, wrapping up the first 20 minutes with a score of 41-30. Devontae Blanton took center stage, showcasing his potential and putting up a remarkable 27 points along with four assists. His energy seemed to be contagious, with the entire team contributing to a spirited first half. The Colonels shot a solid 49% from the field and were on fire from behind the arc, hitting an impressive 60% with six 3-pointers. It was a moment that stirred excitement among their fans as the squad sparked an impressive 8-0 scoring run that extended their lead to double digits.

Key Players Step Up

As the first half progressed, Mayar Wol played a crucial role in that scoring surge, draining back-to-back 3-pointers that energized the already buzzing crowd. Meanwhile, another Colonel impacting the game was Montavious Myrick, who showcased his skillset with a hard-earned double-double, concluding the night with 10 points and 10 rebounds. It appeared as if the Colonels were in for a triumphant evening.

The Second Half Gets Chaotic

However, when the second half kicked off, the momentum shifted dramatically. Jacksonville University, ranked as the No. 4 seed, erupted into action with a 14-4 run that swiftly narrowed EKU’s lead to just a single point. It was evident that the Dolphins had regrouped and were ready to fight back. With just over 14 minutes left, Robert McCray nailed a pivotal 3-pointer, flipping the momentum entirely and giving Jacksonville its first lead at 45-44.

From that moment on, it was all Jacksonville. McCray continued to display his talent, ultimately sealing his performance with a total of 26 points and securing 10 rebounds along with five assists. The Dolphins became increasingly confident, never allowing the Colonels to reclaim the lead after this pivotal point.

Colonels Struggle in the Second Half

Despite the early success, the second half proved to be a challenging reality for Eastern Kentucky. The team could only muster a disappointing 28% shooting from the field and missed all six of their attempts from three-point range. This drastic dip in performance starkly contrasted with their first-half numbers and left fans disheartened.

The Final Score and Implications

The heart-wrenching loss places Eastern Kentucky with a record of 18-14, while Jacksonville University improves to 19-12 with their victory. This moment now thrusts EKU into a tightly contested race for positioning in the ASUN standings as the tournament continues. With more games ahead, will the Colonels bounce back and reclaim their winning edge? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain, as the tournament progresses, every game counts, and every point matters. Fans will want to keep an eye on how this season unfolds for Eastern Kentucky.