WILKES-BARRE, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Basketball ran into a hot-shooting Wilkes University team in dropping a 94-74 decision. The host Colonels (11-4, 3-1 MAC Freedom) made an NCAA record 33-of-33 free throw attempts and connected on 8-of-15 from behind the arc after halftime to pull away. Draig Ruff scored 22 points to lead the Eagles.

Eastern (8-7, 2-2 MAC Freedom) led 27-19 with four minutes to play in the first half before the Colonels closed out the frame with a 14-to-6 run. Wilkes started the second half on a 15-to-4 burst to forge a 48-37 edge in the early moments of the second.

While the Colonials were hitting their shots, the Eagles continued to struggle from distance. After shooting only 1-of-14 from behind the arc in the first half, the Eagles made only 2-of-9 in the second half. After the Wilkes lead ballooned to 21 points, the Eagles closed the gap to 84-71 on a Brennan Kastens dunk in transition, but as the game opened up, the Colonels made their foul shots and closed the game out.

Michael Bowlers had 12 points and 12 rebounds. He was joined in double-figures by Austin Duncan with 12 and Darius Washington with 11.

Tommy Bowen led the Colonels with 20 points , ten rebounds, and seven assists. Marcus Robinson scored 26 points with five made 3-pointers.

Coach McNelley says:
"We got away from some of the things we need to do as we started to chase the game. When we were able to get the ball inside, we were able to get quality looks and put them in some foul trouble. I am a little disappointed that our post players only attempted five free throws."

"I don't think I have ever seen team go 33-of-33 from the line in a game. They deserve credit for hitting their shots and converting when we fouled. We did a really good job defensively through the first 16 minutes, but once we allowed them to get confidence, they became very hard to guard."

Up Next:
The Eagles welcome the Eastern students back to campus for a Wednesday night home game against Misericordia. The Cougars are also 2-2 in MAC Freedom play after beating Manhattanville 91-71 this afternoon. The game is scheduled for a 6 pm tip.