Box Score | Box Score (PDF)
CHARLESTON, Ill. — Call it Lantz Luck. Whatever it is, Morehead State men’s basketball always seems to have the bad kind in Eastern Illinois’ Lantz Arena.
MSU shot a season low 26 percent and was held to its lowest point total since 2005-06, dropping a 47-40 decision to the Panthers Saturday. The Eagles fell to eighth place EIU for the fourth straight year on the Panthers’ home court, and MSU has won just one time in Lantz since 1999-00. The Eagles fell to 12-7, ending a six-game winning streak, and to 5-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference. EIU moved to 7-10 and 3-4 in the league.
EIU shot 21-of-26 at the free throw line, outscored MSU 21-9 at the line, and took the lead for good late in the second half when they limited the Eagles to only 17 total points. MSU shot only 19 percent in the second half. EIU was not much better in the low-scoring affair, shooting just 32 percent for the game.
“Give EIU credit, they played hard, and we could never get in an offensive rhythm,” said MSU coach Donnie Tyndall.
The Eagles led 23-21 at the break but were outscored 26-17 in the final 40 minutes.
“We had some good looks. Terrance has been shooting the ball recently and he goes 0-for-6. Demonte goes 3-for-16,” said Tyndall. “Also, we just put them at the foul line too many times.”
MSU did out-rebound the Panthers 37-34. Kenneth Faried led the Eagles with 13 boards but was held to a season-low five points and had eight turnovers. Sam Goodman topped MSU’s offense with 12 points.
Jeremy Granger led the EIU contingent with 17 points.
Isaac Smith got free for a layup at the 6:56 mark of the second half, giving EIU a 33-32 lead. Moments later Granger knocked down a triple as the Panthers moved ahead 36-32 with less than six minutes left in the game. Faried got a layup with 5:35 left to cut the game to two at 36-34, but the Eagles’ shooting woes lived on for the final five minutes.
In the first half, the Eagles opened the game with a 10-4 run in the first five minutes but could not keep up the efficiency. LC Doss’ trey at the 12:29 mark brought the host Panthers back to within 10-9. MSU was not able to distance itself in the opening half as its never trailed but never led by more than five the rest of the half.
The Eagles will be off this week and return to Johnson Arena to host rival Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 22 for a 1 p.m. contest that will be televised live by ESPNU.
