ST. DAVIDS, Pa.- Eastern University Men's Basketball shot just 36% from the field in a lackluster 67-55 home loss to Wilkes University. The Colonels outscored the Eagles 36-24 in the second half to earn their fifth straight win. The Eagles (8-4, 2-2 Freedom) got 19 points and nine rebounds from Dan Miller, but only five Eagles scored in the contest.

Both teams took turns in the lead in the first half, but the 31-31 tie at the break was probably not a good thing for the home side as they missed several chances to open up leads and let the visitors hang in the game. Miller scored 13 points in the opening 20 minutes. Wilkes stayed in the game as Chris DeRojas scored 12 of his game-high 20 and Matt Mullins scored 10.

Out of the intermission, the Colonels (8-5, 2-2 Freedom) used their size to get inside, and they quickly built a seven point edge on the efforts of Paul Huch and Kendall Hinze. The Eagles would cut the deficit to one with 15 minutes to play, but they were never able to make a play to take the lead.

"We didn't bring our effort tonight," said Head Coach Matt Nadelhoffer, "Credit to Wilkes, they came in here and took the game, but I am very disappointed in our effort. When we compete, we can play with anyone, but we need to bring a lot more effort to accomplish our goals."

Nelson added 15 points and Martin Soaries scored 13. Mullins scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Hinze finished with 16 and six. Huch joined them in double-figures with 12.

Eastern will have to make up ground in the league on the road, and that challenge starts at Delaware Valley College on Saturday.  

Box Score