JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Eastern Kentucky held on to defeat ETSU in Friday’s SoCon/ASUN Challenge, despite a late push from the Bucs on their home court.
The visitors led by as many as 20 points in the first half and held a 51-38 edge at the break.
The Colonels cooled off in the second half, however, as the Blue and Gold took advantage. Brooks Savage and company sliced the deficit to as little as four points, multiple times. But, EKU made its free throws down the stretch to survive, 82-78.
ETSU women’s basketball team prepares for home opener against Jackson State
Quimari Peterson paced the Bucs with 20 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jaden Seymour tallied 18 points and nine boards.
Transfer John Buggs III found his shooting stroke, netting 16 points, while making 4-of-8 shots from downtown. Karon Boyd turned in a double-double off the bench with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bucs snagged 21 offensive rebounds on the night, but converted them into just 14 second-chance points. The Colonels also cleaned up on the glass, swiping 13 offensive boards for 15 second-chance points.