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EASTERN ILLINOIS (11-13, 8-6 OVC)
at EASTERN KENTUCKY (15-10, 8-6 OVC)

Feb. 14, 2009 • 6 pm
McBrayer Arena • Richmond, Ky.
Radio: Hit Mix 88.9 FM
- Mike Bradd & Rich Moser

GAME 25
Eastern Illinois tips off at Eastern Kentucky on Saturday night in game between a pair of teams currently tied for fifth place in the Ohio Valley Conference. EIU fell out of the OVC's top four following a Thursday loss at Morehead State. EKU climbed into a tie with the Panthers following their recent win over Southeast Missouri. At 8-6, both teams are still looking for one more win in the remaining OVC schedule to ensure themselves of at least a .500 season in conference action. Both schools have four OVC games remaining this season.

EIU - EASTERN KENTUCKY SERIES
This will be the 26th meeting between Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky. EKU holds a 14-11 series advantage after EIU won the previous season meeting 58-48 at Lantz Arena. Prior to that EIU win, the Colonels had won eight straight in the series dating back to 2003. In McBrayer Arena, EKU holds a 9-2 advantage with the last EIU win in Richmond coming in 2001.

SCOUTING EASTERN KENTUCKY
Eastern Kentucky is led by senior guard Mike Rose who is averaging 20.6 points per game for the Colonels. Rose has been deadly from outside as he leads the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage at 48.6 percent making 84 3-pointers this season. Josh Taylor compliments Rose with 10.7 ppg. The Colonels have been giving up more rebounds this season at a negative 2.6 per game margin.

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL
Eastern Illinois will play on the road for Valentine's Day for the second straight season as the Panthers tip at Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. Last season EIU played at Southeast Missouri on Feb. 14 picking up a 90-70 win over the Redhawks. EIU shot 62 percent from the floor in Cape Girardeau as five players scored in double figures. Jake Byrne led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds.