RICHMOND, Ky. – Senior Julian Mascoll and junior Jamaal Douglas combined for 37 points to help the Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball team overcome a 21-point first half deficit and escape with a 63-52 victory over Kenyon College Monday night in McBrayer Arena. The Colonels improve to 3-1 while the Lords fall to 2-1 in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Kenyon, a Division III school in the North Coast Athletic Conference, connected on 6-of-8 (75 percent) three-pointers in the early goings to quickly jump on top of Eastern Kentucky, 32-11. However, a pair of baskets from Mascoll and a Mike Rose three-pointer allowed the Colonels to close the half on a 7-0 run to get within 13 points at 36-23.

Eastern then began the second stanza with 10 straight points, capped by an Adam Leonard steal and Mascoll dunk, to make the score 36-33. Three-pointers from Leonard and fellow freshman Josh Taylor enabled to the Colonels to take their first lead of the game, 39-38, with 15:18 remaining in the contest.

The Colonels stretched their advantage to six points, 48-42, but Kenyon would not go away. Korey Haddox's three-pointer keyed a 6-0 run for the Lords to level the score at 48-all with 5:29 left. With less than two minutes to go and Kenyon trailing by just three points, Mascoll came away with a steal and converted a fast-break lay-up to push the EKU lead back to five points, 57-52. The home squad sealed the victory by netting all six free throw attempts in the final 90 seconds of action.

After allowing 36 points in the first half, Eastern held Kenyon to 16 points in the second 20 minutes. The Colonels also forced 13 Lord turnovers and gave up only one three-pointer (1-of-6) in the second half.

Mascoll nearly achieved a double-double in points (19) and assists (eight) with both numbers establishing career highs. Douglas' 18 points were two shy of his personal best. He also chipped in with six rebounds. Sophomore Mike Rose added seven points and a career-high nine boards.

For Kenyon, four players tallied at least eight points on the evening led by Bryan Yelvington (11). He also paced the Lords with nine rebounds.

Eastern will take a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving before hitting the road to face UNC Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 25. Tip time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.