Thomas leads Morehead State past Eastern Illinois 69-66

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) - Justin Thomas had 18 points and six assists as Morehead State beat Eastern Illinois 69-66 on Saturday.

Djimon Henson had 10 points for Morehead State (9-8, 3-1 Ohio Valley Conference). Jordan Walker, the Eagles' leading scorer heading into the matchup at 14 points per game, shot only 18 percent for the game (2 of 11) and finished with seven points.

Josiah Wallace had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Panthers (7-9, 0-4), who have lost five straight games. George Dixon added 12 points and seven rebounds. Marvin Johnson had 11 points.

Morehead State had a nine-point lead with just under a minute to play but problems inbounding the ball and EIU's strong offensive rebounding led to the Panthers cutting the margin to a point on Johnson's layup with 13.4 seconds left. Ta'lon Cooper made two free throws with 4.9 seconds remaining and after an exchange of turnovers, EIU was unable to get a hurried 3-point try off in time.

Morehead State matches up against Tennessee State on the road on Thursday. Eastern Illinois faces Jacksonville State at home on Thursday.

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