RICHMOND, Ky. – EKU's men's basketball team came back from The Bahamas with two wins, but more importantly came back with two full games of experience ahead of the 2022-23 season for a group that includes nine newcomers.
 
The Colonels knocked off Caro Contractors, 136-105, in their opening game.  EKU staged a come-from-behind win to beat Raw Talent Elite, 104-93, in the second game on the trip.  Raw Talent Elite had beaten South Alabama.
 
In the two games combined, Eastern Kentucky averaged 120 points on 43 percent shooting from the field.  The Colonels hit on 77 percent of their free throws and pulled down an average of 26 boards per game off the offensive glass.  EKU held its two opponents to 24 percent shooting from 3-point range and out-rebounded both teams by a combined 16 boards. 
 
EKU's "Most Exciting 40 Minutes In Sports" style of play forced an average of 32 turnovers per game off 19 steals per game.  The Colonels shared the ball to the tune of 43 total assists, averaging 22 per game and one assist on every two made baskets.
 
Individually, Devontae Blanton shot 55 percent from the field, 55 percent from 3-point range while averaging 31 points, nine rebounds, 3.5 steals and two assists per game. 
 
Newcomer Dardan Kapiti was perfect from the field (6-for-6) and averaged 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.  DaShawn Jackson contributed 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game.  Isaiah Cozart shot 50 percent from the field and pulled down 3.5 rebounds per game.  John Ukomadu made 47 percent of his shots from the field, 88 percent from the charity stripe and averaged 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. 
 
Freshman guard Leland Walker averaged 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game.  Michael Moreno hit on 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arch while averaging 17 points and 2.5 steals per game.  Michael Wardy shot 58 percent from the field, 100 percent from the stripe and averaged 5.5 rebounds per contest.  Freshman guard Tayshawn Comer finished the trip with 9.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game.  Freshman Turner Buttry shot 60 percent from the field.
 
In accordance with NCAA rules, the team was allowed to hold 10 full practices in preparation for the trip.