Two key runs propelled the Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team to an 81-40 exhibition win over Ohio Valley University on Sunday afternoon at McBrayer Arena.
Photo Gallery contributed by Jarred Davis — Twitter – @AKS_JDPhoto / Facebook – JD Photography
Eastern led by six, 28-22, at halftime but used runs of 17-3 and 19-3 to take control in the second half.
EKU’s Jalen O’Bannon led the charge with a game-high 19 points, as Jasmine Henshaw added 16 points for the Colonels.
True freshman Abby Wright opened her first collegiate game with double-digits in scoring with 14.
Ohio Valley shot nearly 40 percent from the field in the first half. However, the EKU defensive unit held the Fighting Scots to only four made field goals in the second half. Defensively, the Colonels pressured OVU throughout, as 16 of OVU’s 28 turnovers came on EKU steals.
Eastern Kentucky used a 15-point run to break an early 4-4 tie in the first period. A layup from Henshaw sparked the run to begin the first quarter, before a put-back and two free throws from O’Bannon gave the Colonels a 19-7 lead.
Later in the first half, a three-pointer by Jada Triplett stretched the Colonel lead to 24-9. OVU answered with a 13-4 run to send the teams into the locker room at 28-22.
Wright and the Colonels opened the second half with seven unanswered. EKU used a 19-3 run to build a 47-25 lead with 5:40 left to play in the third. EKU kept the pace to close the third and into the final period outscoring the Fighting Scots 33-12.
O’Bannon also logged nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and four steals in the win.
Jalyn Gilbert led the Fighting Scots with 10 points.
The Colonels open regular season play Saturday against the University of Richmond. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
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