Box Score (PDF)

RICHMOND, Ky.  – The Colonels erased a 14-point deficit and tied game in the early minutes of the final period, but the Bruins of Belmont University used a late 6-0 run to pull away in a 73-67 win over the EKU women's basketball team Wednesday at McBrayer Arena.
 
The Colonels (9-17, 6-7 OVC) trailed by as many as 14, but Eastern's effort was present until the final buzzer sounded.
 
Senior Jalen O'Bannon (23) paced the Colonels, finishing one rebound shy of a double-double. Senior guard Alexus Cooper tallied 13 points, as fellow seniors Mariah Massengill and Shavontae Naylor each added 12 points marking the third consecutive game four Colonels have scored in double figures.
 
Down 52-47 after three, EKU scored five straight to open the final period following a layup from senior Zee Willix and a three pointer from Cooper with 8:27 left to play which knotted the score at 52.
 
After a pair of Belmont free throws, a jumper from O'Bannon on EKU's ensuing possession once again tied the score.
 
Belmont widened its lead back to four after four straight from Sally McCabe.
 
Following a Bruins' foul and a bucket in the paint from O'Bannon, the Colonels found themselves down a single point with 5:09 remaining. However, Eastern could not regain the lead.
 
The Bruins slowly pulled away, leading by eight with 37 seconds left.
 
Eastern did not quit. Senior Amadi Brooks came off the bench and connected on a long ball from the left wing to cut the Bruins' lead down to five with 32 seconds to go. However, Belmont extended its lead back to nine and despite a late three pointer from Massengill, the Bruins picked up their 20th consecutive regular season conference win.
 
Belmont opened the game on a 7-0 run, before Eastern rallied to eight unanswered to go up 8-7 in the first. EKU held its only lead of the game after back-to-back scores from O'Bannon put the Colonels up 12-9 with 5:08 left in the opening frame.
 
The Colonels travel to Tennessee State University Saturday. Saturday's contest is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tip from the Gentry Center.