The Colonels have already proved they have what it takes to compete with bigger schools from powerhouse conferences.
Now, they want to pick up a win over a major university.
Eastern Kentucky University will have a shot when it faces Maryland today in College Park, Md. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m.
Last season, the Colonels (7-2) forced overtime with Big East school Cincinnati and went to the wire with Pittsburgh in a 71-60 loss earlier this season on Nov. 19.
“It’s going to be real exciting,” EKU senior Papa Oppong said. “It’s going to be a real good atmosphere out there but we know we can compete with them. We want to go in there and come out with a win before our final break.”
This is the first game between the Colonels and the Terrapins (5-3) since 1973, when Maryland topped EKU 106-57 during a season when Maryland fell in quadruple overtime in the ACC championship to North Carolina State.
Maryland has outscored its opponents by an average of 31 points at home this year and has won all of their games in College Park. They are led by Sean Mosely, who averages 15 points per game, which includes a career-high 26 points against No. 3-ranked Villanova, as well as Greivis Vasquez, who averages 12.7 ppg. Landon Milbourne (13 ppg) and Eric Hayes (12.8 ppg) also average in double-figures for the Terrapins. Jordan Williams is the team’s leading rebounder, with nearly nine boards per game, and is the top freshman rebounder in the ACC.
EKU will likely be once again without the presence of Josh Jones. The sophomore, who started every game until Wednesday’s 74-58 win over Ohio Valley University, sprained his ankle in practice Monday. Stepping into his spot in the lineup was senior Dayvon Ellis, who had nine points, three steals and five assists in a season-high 24 minutes against the Fighting Scots. Ellis started several games last season before injuring his hand.
So far this season, Oppong has been a true force for the Colonels. Averaging 12 points a game, the senior from Toronto has scored in double-figures in six of the nine games this season, including a career-best 21 points against Florida International.
Sports
EKU ready for another major challenge
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