Eastern Illinois beats Austin Peay 77-67 - WSMV Channel 4

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Josh Piper scores a game-high 20 points and Sherman Blanford added a double-double to lift Eastern Illinois over Austin Peay 77-67 Saturday night in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Blanford finished with 19 points, six assist and a game-high 10 rebounds, helping Eastern Illinois (4-16, 1-6) outrebound Austin Peay 33-21, and outscore the Governors inside 36-22.

In the first half, the Panthers shot 54.2% (13 of 24) and Piper scored 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting as Eastern Illinois led at halftime 37-25.

The Panthers went ahead 21, their largest lead of the game, when Blanford followed up Piper's 3-pointer with two free throws to lead 55-34 with 12:23 left to play.

Eastern Illinois made 16 of 18 free throws in the second half.

Will Triggs and Travis Betran scored 14 points apiece to lead the Governors (5-15, 1-5), who have lost three straight.

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