PDF Box |
Photo Gallery (by
Sandy King)
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois men's basketball opened the 2016-17 season on a high note as the Panthers rolled to a 83-41 win over Saint Francis (Ill.) in the season opener Friday night at Lantz Arena. EIU had 12 players score in double figures led by
Demetrius McReynolds with 18 as they shot 55 percent in the win.
With EIU leading 40-22 at the half McReynolds opened the second half with seven straight points as he was 7-of-8 from the floor hitting 2-of-3 from 3-point range. McReynolds individual run pushed the Panthers lead to 20 points as they would eventually build the lead to 44 points with 3:43 left in the game on a three point play by
Joe Kuligoski.
Muusa Dama set the tone on the defensive end of the floor off the opening tip as he picked up one of his four blocks on a lay-up attempt by Landus Anderson after the Fighting Saints won the opening tip.
Patrick Muldoon hit the first bucket for EIU. The two teams would trade baskets before
Cornell Johnston drained a 3-pointer to open a quick 9-2 run for the Panthers capped by a
Montell Goodwin 3-pointer. EIU ended the first half 3-of-6 from 3-point range and shot 8-of-17 from beyond the arc for the game.
Casey Teson gave the Panthers a double figure lead with a jumper at 11:26 that made it 20-10. USF chipped away at the first half lead closing to seven points on a jumper by Ryan Peter with 6:44 left in the half. EIU closed the half with a 14-3 run with dunks by
Marshawn Blackmon and Dama.
The Panthers led 40-22 at the half shooting 53.8 percent from the floor. EIU would increase that shooting percentage in the second half knocking down 56.7 percent in the second half and 55.4 percent for the game.
Goodwin joined McReynolds in double figures finishing with 15 points going 6-of-10 from the floor. Dama led a solid effort on the glass with nine rebounds as EIU had a 41-22 rebound advantage.
Jo Jo Ballestero had 13 points to lead USF as the Fighting Saints were held to 32.6 percent shooting for the game.
EIU (1-0) will play at Troy on Monday night at 7 p.m. Saint Francis is 0-1 on the season.