CENTER VALLEY, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Basketball came into this evening's MAC Freedom Opener at DeSales University looking to change momentum on the season. The Eagles had won five-straight games prior to exams, but had dropped four in a row since then. There was reason to be optimistic in that three regulars were returning to action following short stretches on the shelf with injuries.

At the start of the game, the Eagles (5-7, 0-1 MAC Freedom) were doing an excellent job limiting opportunities for the host Bulldogs. Through the first six minutes, DeSales had just two field goals and only 7 points. The defensive intensity was right, but the problems at the other end of the floor were mounting. The Eagles missed their first ten shots from the floor. Even after Victor Peña finished an inside basket on a nifty pass from Anthony Concepcion, the lid still did not come of the basket. The Eagles missed their next 10 shots from the floor. Austin Carroll finally put away the Eastern's second basket of the game with 6:33 left to play in the half.

Even though they made nine of their final 11 field goal attempts in the first half, the 1-for-21 start proved to be too much to overcome and the Eagles fell 87-53.

Peña was probably the lone bright spot in the evening. The sophomore center had missed a pair of games with injury. He made 5-of-9 shots from the field for 13 points and grabbed ten rebounds in only 19 minutes of action.

Shaquan Turk, who entered action tonight second in the MAC Freedom in scoring, was limited by foul trouble and was able to make just one-of-nine shots from the floor. For just the ninth time in his career and the first time this season, Turk did not attempt a foul shot.

Kuity Slanger led three Bulldogs in double-figures with 15 points. DeSales made 8-of-17 shots from behind the arc and 27-of-38 free throws. The Eagles, meanwhile, were 2-of-14 from 3-point range and were 11-of-18 from the foul line.

Logan Hodges scored six points, and Greg Boyd had five in late game action.

The Eagles will continue their stretch of road games at King's on Saturday.