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MARTIN, Tenn. – Host UT Martin shot 51.7 percent from the floor and cruised to a 74-55 win over the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team Thursday night in the Elam Center. With the win, the Skyhawks (20-8, 13-4 OVC) ended a five game losing streak to the Colonels (18-11, 10-7).

Junior Papa Oppong was the only EKU player to reach double figures as he tallied 11 points. Senior Mike Rose, who was averaging 21.0 ppg entering the contest, was held to seven first half points.

For the Skyhawks, forward Olajide Hay recorded a double-double with career highs in points (22) and rebounds (12). Guards Lester Hudson and Marquis Weddle combined for 33 points.

UT Martin led from start to finish as the Colonels could muster just two field goals in the first 11 minutes of the contest. A dunk from Djero Riedewald gave the Skyhawks their largest lead of the opening half, 17-6. EKU was twice able to cut the deficit down to three points, but UTM used a 10-2 run late in the stanza to take a 32-23 lead into halftime.

The Skyhawks began the second half on a 12-3 spurt and was never seriously challenged the rest of the way. UT Martin shot 57.7 percent (15-of-26) in the final 20 minutes and held Rose scoreless.

Due to victories by Murray State and Austin Peay tonight, combined with the EKU loss, means the Colonels will be on the road as the No. 5 seed for the upcoming OVC tournament.

Eastern Kentucky concludes the regular season Saturday, Feb. 28, at Murray State. Tip time is set for 8:30 p.m.

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