RICHMOND, Ky. – After a week off to celebrate the holiday season, the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team returns to action Tuesday and Wednesday in the 2009 Dr Pepper Classic, hosted by Chattanooga. Game times both nights are set for 6 and 8 p.m.

Eastern (7-4) has not won an in-season tournament title since the 1971 All-College Tournament. That year, the Colonels defeated Texas Tech, Santa Clara and host Oklahoma City. This is the second time EKU has participated in the Dr Pepper Classic. The Colonels also competed in the 1991 tournament, but came away with losses to Auburn and Alaska-Anchorage.

Morgan State (7-4), out of the MEAC, has won three of its last four games including an 87-80 victory over Towson on Dec. 22. In that contest, forward Kevin Thompson tallied career-highs in points (23) and rebounds (25). As of Dec. 20, guard Reggie Holmes ranked second nationally in scoring (25.1 ppg) while Thompson ranked fifth in rebounding (12.2 rpg).

Chattanooga (6-6), out of the SoCon, has already played two OVC teams this year, defeating Jacksonville State and falling to Murray State. The Mocs are led by senior Ty Patterson’s 16.5 ppg. He has played four games since being reinstated prior to the Dec. 12 Mississippi Valley State game. True freshman guard Josh Odem chips in 10.6 ppg.

Long Island (4-6) was picked to finish second in the Northeast Conference. The Blackbirds have lost three straight including a 71-61 setback to Manhattan on Dec. 19. Senior Jaytornah Wisseh was named the NEC Player of the Week after recording 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against Manhattan. Wisseh currently ranks third in the NEC with 17.9 ppg and 5.0 apg.

Eastern Kentucky has never faced Morgan State or Chattanooga. Eastern and Long Island met once back in the 1975 All-College Tournament. The Blackbirds won that meeting, 87-68.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Game Notes
--Click here for game notes!

Television
--None

Video Streaming
--All Dr Pepper Classic games can be seen on the web at www.gomocs.com. Click here for live video stream!

Live Audio
--Both EKU games can be heard locally on WCYO 100.7 FM. Click here for live radio broadcast!

Live Stats
--Click here for live stats!

Tickets
--Click here for ticket information.

Directions
--Click here for directions to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Storylines
--The Colonels are 1-4 in road games this year. EKU is averaging 15 turnovers per game in those contests as opposed to 6.8 turnovers per game in home contests (6-0).

--As of Dec. 20, Eastern ranked fourth nationally in three-pointers made per game (10.6) and fifth in three-point shooting (43.5 percent). However, the Colonels had their second worst three-point shooting night of the season in their most recent outing on Dec. 19 at Ohio (26.7 percent).