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RICHMOND, Ky. – Kenneth Faried's putback with 1.8 seconds remaining in regulation gave visiting Morehead State a 51-49 win over the Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball team Wednesday night in McBrayer Arena. With the victory, Morehead State (14-12, 11-7 OVC) completed the season sweep over the Colonels (13-13, 10-8) for the first time in four years.
Eastern Kentucky trailed by five points, 49-44, with just over two minutes left before rallying to tie the score with 17 ticks showing on the clock. Sophomore
Adam Leonard began the run by converting 1-of-2 free throws. Following a Morehead turnover, Leonard netted two more charity shots to bring the Colonels within two, 49-47, with 58 seconds left.
The Eagles missed a shot on their next possession, allowing Eastern Kentucky a chance to tie or take the lead. Junior
Mike Rose, who had been 3-of-14 from the floor up to that point, made a driving lay-up with 17 seconds remaining to finally even the score.
Morehead State then called timeout with 4.4 seconds on the clock to set up a final play. The Eagles inbounded the ball under the basket to Leon Buchanan, who went up for the winning basket. Buchanan's shot missed the mark, but Faried was there for his ninth rebound. The freshman immediately put up another shot and his three-foot jumper went through the hoop.
Eastern Kentucky's ensuing inbounds pass to half court was intercepted by Morehead State, allowing the Eagles to keep a hold of third place in the OVC standings.
The first half of the contest was filled with 23 total turnovers. Morehead State took a 24-21 lead into intermission thanks to eight points and two three-pointers from Jamyron Steward.
The Colonels began the second half with a 9-0 run to grab their biggest lead of the game, 30-24. Eastern continued to hold its slim advantage until Morehead State rattled off nine straight points late in the game to make the score, 49-44.
Faried led all players with 16 points and nine rebounds. The Eagles forced 17 EKU turnovers and out-rebounded the Colonels, 34-24.
For Eastern Kentucky, Leonard finished with a team-high 14 points. The Colonels netted a season-low four three-pointers and shot just 26.7 percent (4-of-15) from behind the arc.
EKU takes a break from OVC action this weekend when the Colonels host Ball State as part of the ESPNU BracketBusters series. That game will be played Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 7 p.m.
