Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dardan Kapiti scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half to fuel Eastern Kentucky University's 84-80 win at Queens on Thursday.
 
The Colonels (17-9, 10-3 ASUN) trailed by 11 midway through the first half and by five at the break.  Baskets from Leland Walker and Isaiah Cozart to start the second made it a one-point game, 41-40.  A put-back from Kapiti tied the score at 49-49.  Moments later Devontae Blanton gave EKU its first lead since 3-0 with a lay-up at the 14:36 mark.
 
The Royals (16-10, 6-7 ASUN) led 57-56 and again at 59-58.  Baskets from Cozart and Blanton gave the visitors a 62-59 lead.  After Queens tied it at 62-62, Blanton's lay-up and Cozart's dunk gave the Colonels the lead for good. 
 
With a one-point edge, Kapiti converted two straight 'and-one' situations.  He followed the second with a put-back to cap a personal 8-0 run and stake EKU to a 74-65 advantage. 
 
Queens closed to within two on an old-fashioned 3-point play from AJ McKee with 24.8 seconds to play.  Leland Walker converted all four free throw attempts in the final 21 seconds to secure the win.
 
Kapiti added five rebounds and one assist to his 14 points.  Tayshawn Comer had 14 points and six assists.  Blanton led EKU with 20 points.  Cozart contributed 14 points and nine rebounds.
 
The Colonels' road trip concludes at first place Liberty on Saturday.  Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
McKee had 27 points for Queens.
 
The Colonels shot 49 percent in the second half and out-rebounded the Royals 40-33 for the game.
 
EKU scored the first points of the game, on a Michael Moreno 3-pointer from the right wing, but Queens scored the next nine.  The Royals took an 11-point lead, 20-9, on a lay-up from Jay'Den Turner with 13:55 to go in the first half.  Six straight by EKU, capped by a lay-up from Comer with 4:53 on the clock, closed the gap to two, 28-26.  Queens stretched its lead back to seven before taking a five-point lead, 41-36, into the locker room at the break.