The Eastern Kentucky Colonels cemented their dominance in the Atlantic Sun Conference with an electrifying 86-80 overtime triumph against Queens on Saturday. Devontae Blanton delivered a masterclass, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists to fuel the team’s relentless momentum.
Blanton’s heroics were complemented by sharpshooter Mayar Wol, who drained five 3-pointers en route to 20 points. Jordan Crawford added 12 points off the bench, showcasing the Colonels’ depth. This victory marks their seventh consecutive win, solidifying their standing in conference play.
The team’s resilience in overtime exemplifies our growth this season, said Eastern Kentucky’s head coach, reflecting on the pivotal matchup.
Queens’ Leo Colimerio posted a valiant 20-point, 9-rebound effort, while Jaxon Pollard tallied a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Despite trailing late, the Royals forced OT with a gritty defensive stand.
Key factors in the Colonels’ win:
- Blanton’s 23-point, 10-assist double-double
- Wol’s 5-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc
- 40% team 3-point accuracy (12-of-30)
With this victory, Eastern Kentucky (16-11, 10-4) inches closer to a top seed in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. Queens (16-11, 9-5) remains in contention but faces mounting pressure in the playoff race.
Saturday’s clash underscores the Colonels’ ability to thrive under pressure, a trait that could prove decisive in March. As the regular season winds down, this overtime thriller serves as a testament to their championship-caliber grit.