LUBBOCK, Texas – The Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball team continues play in the 2016 Cancun Challenge with a 1:00 p.m. matinee versus Texas Tech on Saturday at United Supermarkets Arena.
WHAT TO KNOW
TV: Fox Sports Southwest I Live Stats I Live Audio I Live Tweets I Game Notes
- EKU (1-2) led by as many as six points and had a chance to take the lead midway through the second half at Auburn on Thursday night. However, the host Tigers pulled away down the stretch for an 85-64 victory.
- Sophomore forward
Nick Mayo continued to lead Eastern, as he poured in 20 points and grabbed four boards at Auburn. Mayo is averaging 21.3 points-per-game this season, and he ranks in the top-30 in the country in total points (64). He also ranks third in the country in free throws made (26). EKU, as a team, ranks fourth in the country in free throws made (81).
- Redshirt senior
Jaylen Babb-Harrison delivered his best performance of the young season at Auburn, going for 14 points, two rebounds and two steals.
- Louisville transfer
Dillon Avare and freshman
DeAndre Dishman played productive minutes off the bench for the Colonels. Avare recorded a career-high 31 minutes and scored 11 points, including three three-pointers. Dishman also played a career-high in minutes – 28 – while scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
- This is the fifth all-time meeting between EKU and Texas Tech, and first since Nov. 22, 2008. The all-time series is tied, 2-2.
- TTU has won the last two, including a 98-84 win in Lubbock in 2008. EKU's last win over TTU came on Dec. 27, 1971 at the All-College Tournament in Oklahoma City (by a score of 95-92).
- The Red Raiders (2-0) have opened the year with wins over Houston Baptist and North Texas.
- Keenan Evans leads the Red Raiders at 16.0 points-per-game this season and had 28 points in the season-opening win over Houston Baptist.
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's game, EKU will board a flight to Mexico for the Cancun portion of the Cancun Challenge. The Colonels open play with a 3:00 p.m. game against Idaho State on Tuesday.
