CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Eastern Illinois held off Arkansas-Little Rock for a 78-72 men’s basketball victory on Saturday at Lantz Arena.

The Panthers, who led 34-30 at halftime, used a 44-point second half to secure the Ohio Valley Conference win. Zion Fruster led Eastern Illinois with 17 points and six assists. Meechie White added 19 points.

Truman Claytor scored 17 points for the Trojans. Arkansas-Little Rock shot just 11 of 18 from the free-throw line, while Eastern Illinois made 22 of 30.

Eastern Illinois improved to 11-16 overall. Arkansas-Little Rock fell to 10-17. An announced crowd of 1,214 attended the game.