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Sandy King)
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois men's basketball won its second straight overtime contest as the Panthers opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a 2-0 record after an 84-81 win over SIUE on Saturday afternoon at Lantz Arena.
EIU improved to 9-6 overall, 2-0 in the OVC as the Panthers are now 4-0 in overtime games this season. SIUE fell to 5-9 overall, 1-1 in the OVC.
The Cougars held the lead for most of the first half building a 37-30 advantage at the break converting eight EIU turnovers into 12 points. In the second half and overtime session, SIUE could only produce eight points off of nine EIU turnovers.
Brandon Jackson was an efficient 6-of-9 from the floor in the first half scoring from several areas of the floor. Jackson had 13 of his game high 26 points in the opening half going 11-of-16 for the game.
Rade Kukobat would give EIU its second lead of the game draining a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 11:41 to play in regulation as the Panthers pulled in front 48-47. EIU would eventually push its second half lead to six points on a
Ben Harvey jumper with 6:56 to play, EIU leading 59-53.
SIUE would regain the lead with 1:49 to play on a lay-up by Tyresse Williford. EIU would get four free throws from
Josiah Wallace in the final 1:25 to account for its final points. Cameron Williams had a three point play to score for SIUE. The Panthers had a chance to win the game in regulation as Harvey's jumper from the corner came off the back rim.
In overtime Wallace opened the EIU scoring with a lay-up and then a 3-pointer with 4:14 left to play. On the 3-pointer, a technical foul was assessed to SIUE on the rebound giving EIU free throws and the ball. It proved to be a five point swing that SIUE could not overcome. EIU would push the overtime lead to as many as seven points on a lay-up by
Aboubacar Diallo with 56 seconds left.
Wallace was EIU's leading scorer with 24 points going 6-of-6 from the foul line.
Shareef Smith added 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Diallo had six points, five rebounds and five blocks.
Williford had 15 points and 11 assists for SIUE. Williams added 18 points.
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