Box Score (PDF) I Coach McHale Postgame Interview I McGlone Postgame Interview

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball team never trailed in beating in-state rival Western Kentucky, 78-59, in the latest edition of the Battle of the Bluegrass on Wednesday at McBrayer Arena.
 
The Colonels (4-4) shot 59 percent in the second half and knocked down 13 three-pointers.  EKU out-rebounded the Hilltoppers by four and committed four fewer turnovers.
 
A trifecta of treys from senior Isaac McGlone sparked an 11-3 run that ended on a layup by freshman Asante Gist to send the Colonels into the locker room with a 35-24 advantage.
 
WKU started the second half with a 9-2 run to cut the Eastern lead to four, 37-33. Freshman Parker Chitty put a halt to the run with a jumper.  After a block by sophomore Nick Mayo, freshman Marlon Adams put the home team in front by eight with a lay-up.
 
The Colonels slowly built a 20-point advantage.  With 4:37 remaining in the game, senior Jaylen Babb-Harrison squared up from the deep left corner to bury a three, giving EKU its largest lead of the night, 74-50.
 
Four Colonels netted double digits on the night: Gist (19), Mayo (14), McGlone (14), and Babb-Harrison (13). Babb-Harrison also paced EKU in rebounds with seven.
 
EKU fired a season-best 50.9 percent from the field, with the bench accounting for 33 of the Colonels' 78 points.
 
Eastern held the Toppers to 38.1 percent shooting from the field. Justin Johnson still managed to come up with 18 points and eight rebounds.
 
EKU snapped a 13-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers, dating back to 1987.
 
The Colonels will finish their three game homestand on Saturday, December 3 when they welcome Marshall to McBrayer Arena. Tip is slated for 4 p.m.