Eastern University Men's Basketball used a 21-6 run early in the second half to erase a three point Salisbury lead and seize control of the opening game of Dickinson College's Tip-off Classic. Jason Reels led all scorers with 21 points in Eastern's 68-56 win.

The Eagles built a ten-point lead early in the game, but the Sea Gulls closed the gap to 34-29 at the break. Reels had 14 points at the break. The Eagles connected on 5-11 three pointers in the opening half and held Salisbury to 40% shooting.

The Sea Gulls jumped to an 8-0 run out of halftime as they pounded the ball inside and put the Eagles in early foul trouble. Reels and Tyrik Tucker made consecutive lay-ups in traffic to change the momentum of the game.

Carlos Pujols, who had checked into the game after Daryl Leegwater and Don Kaiser both picked up their third fouls, again put his mark on the game. The first year post player scored eight points in the decisive run and finished the day with ten points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes.

First year guard Martin Soaries chipped in with 13 points on 5-9 shooting. The Eastern defense proved to be the difference in the game as the Eagles limited the Sea Gulls to 35% shooting on the evening. 

Eastern will play in the Championship game tomorrow afternoon at 3:30. They will play the winner of Dickinson and Grove City.

Box Score