Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky used a 17-0 run in the second half to take control against Eastern Illinois and cruise to an 82-43 win in McBrayer Arena on Monday night in the EKU Hoops Invitational presented by Geneva Financial.

The Colonels (5-1) led 20-5 midway through the first half, but could not pull away from the Panthers (1-4). EKU took a 29-18 lead into the locker room and exploded out of the gates in the second half with 17 consecutive points in the first 3:47 of play. Jannson Williams chipped in 10 points during the run, including a pair of three-pointers, as Eastern Kentucky built a 28-point lead. EKU's lead grew to 40 on a Michael Moreno three with 9:55 to play as the Colonels ran away to finish the tournament unbeaten. 

Moreno was named tournament MVP, while Williams and Curt Lewis both garnered all-tournament honors. 

Lewis and Williams each notched double-doubles in the victory. Lewis led all scorers with 18 points and added 10 rebounds, while Williams tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks. Moreno finished with 15 points and a game-high six steals. Russhard Cruickshank totaled 10 points and five assists on the night. 

Eastern Kentucky hits the road Friday when the Colonels visit West Virginia for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off in Morgantown.