Little Rock dominated the second half to secure a 74-63 victory over Eastern Illinois at the Jack Stephens Center. The Trojans outscored the Panthers 44-26 in the final 20 minutes, erasing a 7-point halftime deficit. Kachi Nzeh led the charge for Little Rock, scoring 17 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, while Johnathan Lawson added 15 points and 8 assists. Cameron Wallace chipped in with a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, was paced by Zion Fruster's 14 points. Kooper Jacobi and Nazareth Fisher also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and 8 points, respectively, while Fisher added 8 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Panthers were unable to maintain their first-half momentum, shooting just 28% from the field in the second half.
The first half belonged to Eastern Illinois, as they built a 37-30 lead behind Fruster's 10 points. However, Little Rock regrouped at halftime and came out strong in the second half, using a 12-2 run to take a 42-39 lead. The Trojans never looked back, extending their advantage to as many as 14 points in the final minutes.
The win improves Little Rock's record to 9-11, while Eastern Illinois falls to 9-12. Both teams are still seeking to bolster their resumes, and this game was a crucial opportunity for each to pick up a win. However, as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, the impact on their tournament chances is limited.
Little Rock's balanced attack was the key to their success, as four players scored in double figures. Nzeh's 17 points led the way, but Lawson's all-around performance and Wallace's double-double were equally important. The Trojans' ability to adapt and adjust at halftime was also a significant factor, as they made key defensive adjustments to slow down Eastern Illinois' offense.
For Eastern Illinois, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain momentum. The Panthers had been playing well of late, but were unable to sustain their level of play against Little Rock. Fruster's 14 points were a bright spot, but the team's overall shooting woes in the second half proved costly.
In the end, Little Rock's strong second-half performance and balanced attack proved too much for Eastern Illinois to overcome. While the win may not have significant tournament implications, it is a crucial step forward for the Trojans as they seek to build momentum and improve their resume. For Eastern Illinois, the loss serves as a reminder of the work still to be done to become a consistent winner. As both teams move forward, they want to build on this performance and make a push for a strong finish to the season.