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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Three Eastern Illinois players scored in double figures as the Panthers picked up their first win in Clarksville, Tenn., in 15 years as they beat Austin Peay, 77-67, on Saturday night at the Dunn Center.
EIU's last win over APSU in Clarksville was on Jan. 27, 1998. EIU improved to 4-16 overall, 1-6 in the OVC. APSU fell to 5-15, 1-5 in the OVC. EIU hosts UT Martin at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
EIU won the game with its play on the glass with a 33-21 rebound advantage. The Panthers pulled down 16 offensive rebounds led by
Sherman Blanford's seven offensive rebounds. Blanford had a double-double with 10 rebounds and 19 points to go along with six assists and four steals.
Chris Horton put APSU up 2-0 on the first possession of the game.
Josh Piper answered with a 3-pointer to set up a big night for the sophomore as he finished with a game high 20 points.
Anthony Campbell gave the Governors their last lead with a 3-pointer at 17:45 of the first.
Austin Akers responded with a 3-pointer at 17:15 which started a 9-1 EIU run.
A 3-pointer by
Taylor Jones at 9:50 of the first half put EIU up double figures at 21-11. Jones matched his career high with 14 points as he was 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the last 46 seconds.
EIU held a double digit lead for the remainder of the half.
Malcolm Herron sank a pair of free throws with 23 seconds left in the half to give EIU the 37-25 lead.
Blanford extended the Panthers lead to 21 points in the second half as Blanford sank a pair of free throws following an intentional foul. Blanford was 9-of-10 from the free throw line as EIU led 55-34 with 12:23 left in the game.
A 3-pointer by Preston Arentsen triggered an Austin Peay run as they cut into the EIU lead over the next five minutes. Campbell added a 3-pointer during the run and Will Triggs cut the EIU lead to 61-52 with a lay-up following a steal on the inbounds pass at 6:10. Triggs had 14 points for APSU.
Triggs again cut the EIU lead to nine at 4:56 with a bucket.
Morris Woods answered for the Panthers as EIU was able to respond to each Governors run down the stretch.
EIU was 23-of-29 from the free throw line and held a 36-22 points in the paint advantage.
Travis Betran had 14 points for APSU as they shot 50 percent from the floor but 8-of-21 from 3-point range.