Late 3-Pointers Lift UT Martin Over EIU – Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Eastern Illinois forced 14 steals leading to 23 points off turnovers but two late 3-pointers by UT Martin lifted the Skyhawks to a 65-61 win over the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

EIU led 41-34 at the half closing the first half on a 7-0 run with baskets by Zion Fruster, Malik Olafioye and Meechie White. 

The Panthers extended their lead to eight points early in the second half.  Matas Deniusas would give UT Martin its first lead of the second half with the first of three big second half 3-pointers midway through the half putting UTM up 50-48.

White tied the game at 50-50 for the Panthers on the next possession finishing with 12 points, one of three Panthers in double figures.

The bucket by White sparked a 10-0 EIU run which included seven straight points by Kooper Jacobi.  Jacobi had 16 points for EIU.

Filip Radakovic snapped the Panthers run with a pair of free throws with 6:14 to play as the Skyhawks went 22-of-26 from the line in the game.  

Deniusas knocked down a go ahead 3-pointer for the Skyhawks with 2:15 to play before Fruster briefly gave the Panthers a 61-60 lead.

Deniusas had his final big 3-pointer with 59 second left before the Skyhawks ended the game with a pair of free throws.  Deniusas had 19 points.  Afan Timka had 11 points for UTM as the Skyhawks improved to 11-4 overall, 3-1 in the OVC.

EIU dropped to 4-10 overall, 1-3 in the OVC.  Fruster led EIU with 17 points.