Box Score
ATLANTA, Ga. – Devontae Blanton scored 16 points in Eastern Kentucky's 75-61 loss to Texas A&M – Commerce at the Capitol Classic on Sunday.
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EKU went 2-1 in the classic hosted by Georgia State University, picking up wins over the host team and UNC Asheville on Friday and Saturday.
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The Colonels will be back home at Baptist Health Arena on Wednesday to host Brescia University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
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John Ukomadu's baseline jumper and
Leland Walkers old-fashioned three-point play gave Eastern Kentucky a 54-50 lead with 9:50 left in the game. However, the Colonels scored just two points over the next 8:11 and the Lions pulled away. Demarcus Demonia's dunk capped the 21-2 run and put Texas A&M – Commerce in front by 15, 71-56.
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A free throw from Walker with 1:39 ended the Lion run.
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Blanton added six rebounds and three assists.Â
Cooper Robb contributed 13 points. Walker finished with 10 points.
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Demonia had a game-high 22 points for TAMUC.
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The Lions hit 13 three-pointers and shot 47 percent from the field. TAMUC held a 33-32 rebounding advantage and turned the ball over five fewer times. Eastern Kentucky made just 4-of-21 from deep.
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Blanton's jumper off a Walker steal gave the Colonels their largest lead of the game at seven points, 25-18. The hot shooting Commerce squad erased the deficit. The Lions hit eight 3-pointers and shot 50 percent from the field in the first half.Â
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Threes from C.J. Roberts and JJ Romer Rosario tied the game at 26-26 with 5:35 to go. The eighth triple of the half, this time by Kalen Williams, came with 38 seconds to go and broke a 33-33 tie, sending TAMUC to the locker room in front by three.
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EKU started the second half with a 16-8 run. Blanton and Ukomadu converted and-one situations. Robb hit a 3-pointer from the left wing.Â
DaShawn Jackson's two free throws finished off the strong start and had the Colonels on top 49-44 with 11:48 to play.
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