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MARTIN, Tenn. – The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team shot a season-high 64.3 percent from the field in the 85-74 victory over host UT Martin Saturday night in the Elam Center. The Colonels (6-2, 1-1 OVC) never trailed against the Skyhawks (1-5, 0-2).

Four of the five EKU starters posted double figures led by senior Papa Oppong’s 18 tallies. Fellow senior Josh Taylor added 16 points. Oppong and Taylor combined to shoot 68.4 percent (13-of-19) from the floor.

UT Martin forward Benzor Simmons led all players in points (29) and rebounds (11) for his second double-double of the season.

The Colonels hit their first four shots of the game, including trifectas from sophomore Joshua Jones, Oppong and Taylor, to quickly build an 11-3 lead. Nine straight points by EKU later in the period, capped by another Oppong three-pointer, put the Colonels ahead by 15 points, 40-25.

Six different Eastern Kentucky players netted a three-pointer in the first half as the Colonels went 9-for-12 (75 percent) from behind the arc on the way to a 45-33 advantage at intermission.

EKU twice stretched the lead to 19 points in the second half only to see UT Martin fight back. Back-to-back three-pointers from Reuben Clayton allowed the Skyhawks to close the gap to nine points, 66-57, with 6:02 remaining. However, Jones responded on Eastern’s ensuing possession with his second three-pointer to end the UTM run and put the Colonels back up by 12 points.

Eastern then held off the Skyhawks down the stretch by hitting 11-of-12 (91.7 percent) free throws in the last two minutes of play.

The Colonels now return to non-conference action this Wednesday, Dec. 9 when EKU hosts Division II foe Ohio Valley. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.