ESTERO, Fla. — In an exciting matchup on Tuesday, Eastern Kentucky triumphed over Southern Illinois with a final score of 77-72. Devontae Blanton was a standout player for the Colonels, contributing significantly with 17 points while also grabbing six rebounds.

Mayar Wol added to the team’s success by scoring 14 points. He managed to hit 4 out of 11 shots from the field, including a solid 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, and converted 3 of 4 free-throw attempts. In addition, George Kimble III chipped in with 13 points, shooting 4 for 12 overall, with a 2 for 5 performance from three-point territory and making 3 out of 4 free throws.

On the other side, Ali Abdou Dibba emerged as the top scorer for Southern Illinois, finishing the game with an impressive 26 points. Kennard Davis also had a noteworthy performance, amassing 21 points along with seven rebounds and two steals. Drew Steffe contributed 10 points to the Salukis’ efforts as well.

Eastern Kentucky dominated the first half, going into halftime with a commanding 48-22 lead. Kimble was particularly effective, registering 12 points before the break. The Colonels continued their strong performance into the second half, quickly expanding their lead from 11 to 18 points with an 8-1 scoring run that established a 65-47 advantage. Montavious Myrick played a key role in the latter part of the game, scoring nine points.

With this victory, Eastern Kentucky improved their season record to 4-2, while Southern Illinois fell to 2-5. The game showcased strong individual performances and highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams.