Photo Gallery (by
Sandy King)
EVANSTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois opened with a 7-2 run on Tuesday night before Northwestern was able to take advantage of several short runs to beat EIU 80-56 in the 2021-22 season opener from Welsh-Ryan Arena.
EIU had four points and two rebounds in the early minutes from transfer
Jermaine Hamlin as he finished with ten points, seven rebounds and five blocks to lead the Panthers.
Northwestern would go on a 12-0 run midway through the first half as they pulled out to a 21-12 lead eventually leading 40-29 at the half. Boo Buie scored ten of his game high 17 points in the opening half for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats used an 8-0 run to open the second half as they pulled out to a 50-33 lead with 16:48 remaining in the contest.
EIU held its own against the Big Ten member in most categories as the Wildcats edged EIU 40-38 on the glass. Rodolfo Bolis led EIU with eight rebounds while Hamlin pulled down seven. Bolis would add eight points in his collegiate debut.
The difference in the game was in the handling of the basketball as EIU had 19 turnovers leading to 23 Northwestern points off turnovers. The Wildcats finished with 16 steals with Buie and Robbie Beran each picking up five.
Pete Nance and Ty Berry each added 13 points as Northwestern had three double figure scorers.
Kejuan Clements had seven assists posting a line of five points and six rebounds.
EIU returns to action on Friday evening at Saint Louis.