CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Eastern Kentucky earned a 68-59 men’s basketball victory over Eastern Illinois at Lantz Arena on Wednesday night. The Colonels improved to 3-7, while the Panthers fell to 2-7.

Eastern Kentucky led 31-32 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. Turner Buttry led the Colonels with 14 points. Juan Cranford also scored 14 for Eastern Kentucky.

Zion Fruster scored a game-high 16 points for Eastern Illinois. Meechie White added 12 points for the Panthers.

Attendance was 1,031. Eastern Kentucky next hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. Eastern Illinois travels to face Iowa State on Sunday.