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Box Score

MARTIN, Tenn. – UT Martin used a key 3-pointer late in the second half to hold off Eastern Illinois on Thursday night at the Elam Center.   EIU went cold during the final four minutes hitting one of their final eleven shots in a 51-41 loss.

EIU fell to 5-12 overall, 2-8 in the OVC.  UTM improved to 5-9 overall, 3-7 in the OVC.

The Panthers built an 18-13 lead with an 11-0 run with Josiah Wallace scoring back-to-back baskets in the run.   Deang Deang completed a three point play with 6:27 remaining in the first half to finish off the EIU run.   Deang would score ten of his 14 points in the opening half.

Deang's basket would be the last points of the first half for EIU as the Panthers shot 29 percent for the opening half including 2-of-12 from 3-point range.

UT Martin began to heat up from 3-point range in the final minutes of the first half as the Skyhawks closed the half on a 13-0 run with three 3-pointers.  Jaron Williams drained back-to-back 3-pointers as UTM took a 26-18 lead into the break.

In the second half Eastern Illinois was able to cut the lead to three points on several occasions with UT Martin providing an answer each time.

The final time EIU would close to within three points was at 42-39 with 5:23 remaining as Deang made a driving lay-up.

Vinnie Viana would answer for UTM with a 3-pointer with 4:15 left in the game as EIU would never get within one score in the final four minutes of the game.  Viana was one of two Skyhawks in double figures with 11 points.  Jaron Williams led UTM with 17 points.

Wallace finished with 11 points for EIU as the Panthers shot 28 percent for the game.  Barlow Alleruzzo IV pulled down ten rebounds while Madani Diarra collected nine.   EIU played with only seven available players for the second straight game.