Eastern Men’s Basketball team blew a 17-point lead against Southeast Missouri State dropping its record to 6-9 overall and 2-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The win improves Southeast Missouri’s record to 5-11 overall and 4-2 in the OVC.

The Panthers led 44-29 at halftime, while shooting 49 percent from the field. During the first half, Eastern made 4-9 three-point shots and 11 different players scored.

The second half was another story; Eastern extended its lead to 17 with 16:47 remaining. From that point on, SEMO controlled the pace of the game.

The Redhawks were able to tie the game at 63-63 with 6:45 left to play. In the second half the Redhawks shot 57 percent from the field including 3-5 from beyond the three-point line, as they outscored the Panthers 49-31.

Eastern was able to trim the Southeast Missouri State lead to 2 points when junior guard Jeremy Granger knocked down two free-throws with five seconds left to play.

The Panthers quickly fouled Lucus Nutt who was unable to clinch the game by making one of two free throws. Granger got the last shot of the game; however, his game-winning three-point shot fell just short as they lost 78-75.

All five Redhawk starters scored double digits. Forward Leon Powell made all seven shots from the field, while leading the Redhawks with 17 points. Forward Cameron Butler posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Panthers were lead by Granger who had 17 points and three rebounds while playing 38 minutes. Sophomore forward Sean Pratl scored nine points in the first half, but was not as effective in the second half as he finished with 15 points and six rebounds.

Over the holiday break the Panthers went 2-3. Highlighting the two wins was a 80- 47 victory over Anderson University. Eastern was also able to knock off OVC rival Jacksonville State 61-54.

The Panthers’ three losses came against Tennessee Tech, Western Michigan and SEMO. They are currently ranked seventh in the OVC standings. Austin Peay is in possession of first place with a 5-0 start to the OVC season.

Senior guard Tyler Laser sat out his fifth consecutive game due to injury.

The Panthers return to action Jan. 13 against Eastern Kentucky for its sixth OVC game of the year. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 in Lantz Arena.

Zavier Sanders, a junior forward, goes up against Anderson University Jan. 3 in Lantz Arena. The Panthers are now 6-9 after a 75-78 loss to Southeast Missouri Saturday.(Audrey Sawyer

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