Morehead State’s potential first round NBA draft pick, Kenneth Faried, was held to five points and committed eight turnovers against a stifling Eastern defense.

The Panthers and Eagles struggled offensively, scoring 87 combined points; however, the Panthers beat Morehead 47-40.

Faried was double-teamed almost every time he touched the ball and his teammates were not helping his cause, the Eagles shot 25 percent for the game and committed 18 turnovers.

Sophomore forward Sean Pratl had seven points, but more importantly, he and the other Panthers held Faried in check.

“We knew we had to key in on him and I think we did a real good job,” Pratl said.

Junior guard Jeremy Granger led all scores with 17 points as Eastern edged the Eagles in shooting percentage at 31 percent.

Eastern head coach Mike Miller said he was impressed with the effort his team showed against a tough opponent.

“That was the best defensive effort, since I have been (at Eastern), that a team has put forth,” Miller said.

The Panthers got a lift from freshman guard Isaac Smith who had nine points and four rebounds. Smith also made a few key shots late in the game to help Eastern pull away.

Miller said Smith has progressed a lot since the beginning of the season and he is happy with the way Smith has filled in for injured senior guard Tyler Laser.

“The upperclassmen have really helped me out,” Smith said.

One of Smith’s key baskets was a fast break lay-up that gave the Panthers the lead at 33-32. From there, they would never trail again.

“When Jeremy kicked it to me, I saw (a player) coming, but he didn’t step up, so I (drove past) him and got the bucket, and that really brought our momentum up,” Smith said.

Miller said he likes the improvements the team has made with this win and feels it should give them confidence as they progress.

“I think the fact that we played with toughness tonight will let us know that this is what has to happen,” Miller said.

The win improves the Panthers record to 7-10 overall and 3-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while Morehead falls to 12-7 overall and 5-3 in the OVC.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu.

Jeremy Granger, a junior guard, goes for the three against Morehead State Saturday night in Lantz Arena. Granger scored 17 points in the Panthers 47-40 win over the Eagles. (Audrey Sawyer

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