In a game with no postseason implications, and with little meaning other than the last home game for seniors, Eastern’s men’s basketball team lost to the University of Illinois-Chicago 67-63.

The Flames had not won a game on the road all season and posted a 7-18 record before the game. However, they would jump out to a 12-2 start to begin the game and never looked back.

The Panthers had been riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, needing every possible win to secure a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Although this game had no implications towards making the tournament, a win would have continued Eastern’s much needed momentum.

UIC held the lead the entire game; however, with 39 seconds left in the game the Panthers closed the gap to one point when senior guard L.C. Doss made a three-point shot. The Flames then worked the shot clock down and Daniel Barnes hit a three-point shot of his own to put the game out of reach with four seconds left.

With the loss, the Panthers fall to 12-15 overall and remain at 5-9 and in ninth place in the OVC, while UIC improves to 8-18 overall with a 3-12 record in the Horizon league.

The Flames were led by guard Gary Talton who had a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds. Barnes also had a good night, scoring 14 points, picking up two steals and grabbing four rebounds. He was not incredibly efficient, shooting 6-of-16 from the field, but he made shots when the team needed them most.

Eastern was led by senior guard Jeremy Granger who had 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. He shot 8-of-15 from the field.

Despite the loss, it was a special night for the Panthers. Along with being part of ESPN’s Bracketbuster series, it was senior night for the Panthers four senior players.

Doss and Granger along with forwards Zavier Sanders and Nick McFarlin were honored.

The Panthers return to action Thursday when they go on the road to play Morehead State in a crucial OVC game. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

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