Eastern Illinois squeaks past Austin Peay 67-64

Posted January 18, 2014 3:32 pm

Associated Press

CHARLESTON — Sherman Blanford tipped in a Luke Piotrowski miss with 16 seconds on the clock as Eastern Illinois defeated Austin Peay 67-64 in a see-saw contest Saturday that saw 18 lead changes and 11 ties.

Reggie Smith led the Panthers (6-12, 3-4 Ohio Valley Conference) with 15 points. Piotrowski scored a season-high 12 and Blanford 11 with eight rebounds.

Will Triggs led the Governors (8-11, 2-3) with 15 points, 11 in the first half. Chris Horton scored 13 and Travis Betran 11.

Austin Peay cut the gap to 60-59 when Betran hit a jumper with 2:27 left. The Panthers called time and Smith came out of the huddle to hit two baskets — including his third 3-pointer — boosting the lead to 65-61.

Betran made it close again with a 3, but Blanford’s put back on the other end made the difference, and Austin Peay missed a 3 at the buzzer.

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