ST. DAVIDS, Pa.--Eastern University won its fourth straight conference game, beating Manhattanville College to move into first place in the Freedom Conference.

The Eagles defeated the Valiants 71-58 Saturday afternoon, improving to 13-5 (6-2 Freedom) this season. With Wilkes University losing to Delaware Valley College, the Eagles claimed the top of the Freedom Conference food chain.

Eastern's Alex Nelson reached the 1,000-point milestone with a successful three-point play with 13:38 left in the second half. Nelson joined teammate Martin Soaries in the 1,000 point club. Nelson entered the game needing nine points to reach the milestone. He finished with 13 points after playing just 20 minutes because of early foul trouble.

Teammate Dan Werth also scored 13 points, a season high. Werth recorded eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Eastern had four players finish with double-digits. Mike Donatoni scored 11 points and added six assists while Collin Whipple scored 10.

Manhattanville forward Armani Blackmon proved difficult for the Eagles to stop in the second half. Blackmon scored 18 of his game-high 20 points in the second half. Blackmon also grabbed 14 rebounds.

Eastern scored the first basket of the game, an Alex Nelson layup, and never gave up the lead the rest of the game.

The Eagles lost to the Valiants on the road in November. Then the Eagles shot only 31 percent from the floor, while the Valiants shot 55.8 percent.  Saturday, the Eagles shot slightly better (39.4 percent) and limited the Valiants to 41.1 percent.

Eastern won the turnover battle--losing the ball 11 times while creating 21 Manhattanville turnovers.

On Monday, the Eagles will host neighboring Cabrini College in the 8 pm edition of the Battle for Eagle Road. Because space is limited, tickets will only be sold to the person in attendance. Seats will not be reserved.

As always, the home game will be broadcast live on http://bit.ly/eagle_vision and will also be broadcast in the recreation gym adjoining the main gym.