FORT MYERS, Fla. – Senior Crystal Jones hit a jumper with 41 seconds left in the game to give Eastern Kentucky a 66-64 win over Valparaiso University Friday at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Fla. With the win EKU improves to 2-0 and advances to the championship game of the Florida Gulf Coast University Thanksgiving Classic.

Valparaiso (0-5) took a 5-point lead, 59-54, with 4:56 left in the game but Eastern Kentucky scored the next nine points to go out in front by four, 63-59, with 3:42 remaining. Cherie White hit a three-pointer to start the run and Jones scored the final five points.

The Crusaders answered by scoring five straight and took a 64-63 lead on a pair of free throws by Whitney Farris with 1:56 showing on the clock. However, Valpo would not score again, missing on its final four shots, including a jumper by Agnieszka Kulga with three seconds to go.

Shavonne Jones led Eastern Kentucky with 15 points and added eight rebounds. Crystal Jones finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Ashley Cazee totaled 11 points and four assists. Freshman Lindsey Waters finished with eight rebounds.

Aimee Litka led Valpo with 16 points and added eight boards. Sarah Ott finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

EKU shot 34.8 percent (23-of-66) from the field and hit on 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the free throw line. The Crusaders shot 37.1 percent (23-of-62) but made only 13 of 22 free throws for 59.1 percent.

The Lady Colonels will face Florida Gulf Coast, which defeated Central Connecticut State 71-52 in the other first round game, on Saturday at 7 p.m.