Spring Break
Men's Basketball: Panthers survive thriller in Michigan
Staff Report
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Sports
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A three-point play by Eastern freshman guard Jeremy Granger was the difference in a seesaw second half that saw seven lead changes and eight ties.
Granger gave the Panthers a three-point lead with 1 minute, 6 seconds left in the game after scoring on a lay-up and converting on the free throw.
The Panthers held onto the win despite an inspired second half by Western Michigan senior guard David Kool.
Kool scored 23 of his 26 points in the second half, while shooting 5-of-14 from behind the arc.
The Panthers (12-15) led by four points at halftime, but a free throw by Western Michigan forward Shawntes Gary tied the score at 27 with 16:11 remaining in the second half against the Broncos (9-17).
This was Eastern's first win in the ESPNU BracketBuster game. The ESPNU BracketBuster pits lower mid-major teams against each other in preparation for the NCAA Tournament.
The Broncos' largest lead was five points twice in the second half as they held that lead as late as 9:47 remaining in the second half after a three pointer from Kool.
Eastern's largest second half lead was six with 4:53 remaining after a lay-up from junior guard T.J. Marion. The Broncos battled back with a 6-0 run to tie the score at 55 with 1:19 remaining.
Four Panthers scored in double figures, lead by junior center Ousmane Cisse with 13 points. Junior guard Romain Martin scored 12 for the Panthers and added five rebounds and three assists. Senior forward Billy Parrish and Marion rounded out the double digit scoring with 11 points.
Eastern's next game is at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday against Austin Peay in Clarksville, Tenn.
The win was non-conference, so it did not affect Ohio Valley Conference standings. The Panthers are in sixth place behind Eastern Kentucky (10-6) and ahead of Tennessee State (7-9).
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