East Central Reporter

EIU Snaps Slide With 77-75 Win Over UT Martin

Eastern Illinois led by as many as 16 points early in the second half but had to watch a 3-pointer by UT Martin at buzzer fall short as the Panthers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 77-75 win on Thursday night at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena.
 
EIU had a balanced scoring effort with four players finishing in double figures on the night.
 
The Panthers led 43-32 at the half using an 11-2 run late in the first half to give themselves some breathing room.  Cameron Haffner scored four points during the run as he scored 12.
 
EIU went up by 16 points twice early in the second half.  The first time on a lay-up by Kinyon Hodges, the second on free throws by Kyle Thomas.  Hodges led EIU with 14 points while Thomas scored ten to go with a team high seven rebounds.
 
UT Martin chipped away at the lead cutting it to single digits with 14:28 to play on a Parker Stewart 3-pointer.  Stewart had 18 points as the Skyhawks also finished the night with four players in double figures.  Jordan Sears led all scorers with 20.
 
After a 3-pointer by Jalen Myers cut the lead to 3-points, EIU appeared to once again have grabbed control pulling out to a twelve point lead with 6:35 remaining on a Dan Luers 3-pointer from the corner.
 
Sears would carry the Skyhawks in the final 56 seconds scoring on a three-point play, a jumper and a pair of free throws that cut EIU's lead to two points with seven seconds remaining.
 
EIU turned the ball over near midcourt working to break the press but UT Martin's shot to win the game came up short as Yaakema Rose Jr., secured the rebound and the win.
 
CJ Lane was the fourth Panther in double figures with 11 points off the bench including a 3-of-3 night from 3-point range.
 
KJ Simon had 12 points with Myers posting a double-double with ten points and 11 rebounds for UTM
 
EIU moved to 8-18 overall, 4-9 in the OVC.  UT Martin fell to 15-11 overall, 7-6 in the OVC.

Original source can be found here