RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky used a 17-0 run early in the second half to break open a 29-18 lead into a 82-43 win over Eastern Illinois on Monday evening.
The game was part of the EKU Hoops Invitational presented by Geneva Financial as EKU improved to 5-1. EIU fell to 1-4. The Panthers will wrap up play in the MTE on Wednesday facing UAlbany at 11 a.m.
EIU opened the game leading 3-0 on a 3-pointer by
Micah Schnyders. EKU had the first of several key runs in the game as they pushed out to a 13-5 lead. Â
EIU would get within seven points two times late in the first half as
Kashawn Charles hit a jumper with 4:29.Â
Sammy Friday IV hit a lay-up with 3:45 remaining in the half bringing EIU to within seven at 22-15.
EKU led 29-18 at the half. The Colonels opened the second half with a 17-0 run to take a 46-18 lead before Friday could end the EKU run with 15:46 left in the contest.
CJ Lane led EIU with nine points as EIU was held to 26.3 percent shooting for the night.  Friday had eight points going 4-of-5 from the floor. The Panthers were forced into 25 turnovers leading to 35 points off turnovers.   Â
Four Colonels scored in double figures with Curt Lewis and Jannson Williams both collecting double-doubles. Lewis had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Williams added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Â