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MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team dropped a hard fought 57-54 decision to OVC rival Morehead State Saturday evening in Ellis T. Johnson Arena. Eagles center Drew Kelly posted a career-high 26 points in the winning effort.

In a game that featured 12 ties and 12 lead changes, Morehead State scored the final three points of the night to decide the contest.

Eastern Kentucky trailed by eight points with 1:29 remaining, 54-46, before making a furious rally. Junior #D’Mitri Riggs swished a three-pointer to cut the deficit to five points. Senior Joshua Jones# stole the ball on Morehead State’s next possession and pulled up to drain another trifecta to get EKU to within two points, 54-52.

Senior Jaron Jones then forced another Morehead State turnover with 45 seconds left. Jones was fouled on the play and calmly made two free throws to wipe away the deficit and level the game at 54-all.

Morehead State set up a play in the post for Kelly on the ensuing possession only to see sophomore Jeff Johnson whistled for a foul. Kelly netted 1-of-2 free throws to put the Eagles back on top with 19 ticks remaining, 55-54.

Eastern Kentucky turned to Jaron Jones down low on its final play, but the guard’s turnaround jumper missed the mark. Morehead State grabbed the rebound and sealed the win with two more free throws.

Jaron Jones paced the Colonels in points (15) and rebounds (six). Riggs added 13 tallies while junior Mike DiNunno went 3-for-3 from three-point range to finish with 12 points.

Angelo Warner was the only other Morehead State player in double figures as the guard totaled 11 points.

Eastern Kentucky was 7-0 in Saturday games this season before tonight’s loss. Morehead State has now won eight of the last 10 meetings against the Colonels.

The Colonels now return home to face UT Martin on Thursday, Jan. 19. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.