JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — East Tennessee State used a dominant first half to defeat Virginia Military Institute 81-67 in a Southern Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at ETSU Athletic Center.

The Buccaneers (11-5) built a 41-30 halftime lead and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 3,074. Cam Morris led all scorers with 25 points for ETSU, while Blake Barkley added 20.

TJ Johnson scored a game-high 30 points for the Keydets (6-10), who could not overcome the early deficit. Tan Yildizoglu added 11 points for VMI.

East Tennessee State shot efficiently from the floor, while Virginia Military Institute struggled to keep pace after the break. The Buccaneers have won three straight conference games.