Box Score

DELAND, Fla. – Eastern Kentucky University overcame an 11-point second half deficit, but couldn't hold off Stetson in an 87-79 loss on Saturday in DeLand, Florida.
 
Jalen Blackmon's 3-pointer a little over a minute into the second half put Stetson (16-10, 8-3 ASUN) ahead by 11, 43-32.  However, the Colonels immediately answered, going on a 14-2 run to take the lead.  Leland Walker started it with a long jumper.  Isaiah Cozart scored the next six points to get EKU within 43-40.  Michael Moreno capped the run with a pair of 3-pointers, the second from the right wing made it 46-45 in favor of the visitors with 15:14 to go.
 
The lead switched hands seven more times and the game was tied four more times.
 
Josh Smith broke the final tie, 70-70, with a lay-up at the 4:22 mark.  That basket began an 11-2 game clinching run for the Hatters.  Blackmon's two free throw polished off the run and staked the home team to an 81-72 edge with one minute to play.
 
Walker led EKU (13-11, 9-2 ASUN) with 26 points, making 11-of-16 from the field.  Cozart had 18 points and six rebounds.
 
Blackmon led Stetson with 27 points.  Smith had 24 points and 11 rebounds.
 
The Colonels were out-rebounded, 38-29.  It was the first time an Atlantic Sun Conference team has beaten EKU on the boards this season.  The Colonels made 54 percent of their shots from the field and 50 percent (9-of-18) from behind the arc.  The Hatters made 43 percent from the field and were 7-of-19 from deep (36.8 percent).
 
EKU returns home to host Chicago State in a non-conference game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.  A special Valentine's Day "Date Night Bundle" is available for the game.  For $50, fans can get two chairback seats, access for two to the hospitality room and two drink vouchers for beer, wine or spirits.  Tickets can be purchased at EKUSports.com/DateNight.