Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky used a 17-5 run at the end of the first quarter to help propel them to a 78-67 win over Tennessee State Saturday afternoon in McBrayer Arena.
 
The Tigers (10-16, 5-8 OVC) came out of the gate hot, going on a quick 9-3 run to begin the game. After EKU (13-10, 7-5 OVC) found itself down 13-8, a Miranda Maples three would spark a 17-to-5 run over the course of 4:09 to give the Colonels the lead for good.
 
Eastern was led in scoring by Michaela Hunter, who poured in 17 points while dishing out a game-high four assists. Jalen O'Bannon also chipped in 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting. She pulled down 12 rebounds to record her OVC-best 13th double-double of the season. Five Colonels scored in double figures.
 
The Colonel defense came to play, holding TSU to 36 percent shooting from the floor. EKU also forced the Tigers into 13 turnovers, eight of those off steals.
 
Eastern tied a season high in offense rebounds with 20 and held a 51-43 lead on the boards.
 
EKU came out of halftime strong, going on an 18-7 run that spanned the majority of the third quarter. However, TSU answered with a quick 7-0 spurt to pull within 12. That would be as close as the Tigers would come.
 
With 2:13 to play in the third quarter, a free throw by O'Bannon gave EKU a 64-45 lead, their largest of the game.
 
Tennessee State was led in scoring by Briana Lawrence who had a game-high 19 points. I'mani Davis registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
 
EKU will travel to Jacksonville State on Wednesday to take on the Gamecocks. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.