CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — Blake Barkley scored 17 points and East Tennessee State used a dominant first half to cruise past The Citadel 74-49 in a Southern Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at McAlister Field House.

The Buccaneers (9-5, 1-0) held the Bulldogs to 23 points in the opening period, building a 40-23 halftime lead that was never challenged. The Citadel (3-11, 0-1) struggled offensively throughout, failing to mount any sustained run after the break as ETSU maintained a comfortable double-digit advantage.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as East Tennessee State established control with a 17-2 surge midway through the first half. Leading just 10-8, the Buccaneers clamped down defensively, forcing a series of Bulldogs turnovers and missed shots. Barkley, a 6-foot-7 forward from Morgantown, West Virginia, was instrumental during the run, converting a steal into a dunk and later adding a layup. The spurt was capped by a 3-pointer from Jaylen Smith, giving ETSU a 27-10 lead with 9:02 remaining in the half and effectively deciding the contest.

Barkley added two assists in his 30 minutes of work. He was supported by Brian Taylor and Jordan McCullum, who each scored 13 points. Taylor, a guard from St. Louis, also played 30 minutes, while McCullum, a forward from Harriman, Tennessee, contributed an assist and a block in 28 minutes. Smith finished with 10 points, four assists and a block.

The Citadel was led by Christian Moore with 10 points. Carter Kingsbury added eight points and Braxton Williams had seven points, two assists and a block. The Bulldogs shot poorly from the field and committed 18 turnovers, which ETSU converted into 22 points.

East Tennessee State’s defense was the story, limiting The Citadel to 32% shooting from the field. The Buccaneers also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Bulldogs 42-31 and scoring 15 second-chance points.

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for ETSU, which had dropped close decisions to Austin Peay and Jacksonville State before the holiday break. The Buccaneers improved to 9-5 overall as they begin conference play. The Citadel, which has lost four of its last five, falls to 3-11.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected East Tennessee State with a 94.10 percent probability to win. The Buccaneers were installed as a 12-point pregame favorite. The combined score of 123 points fell under the over/under line of 147.5.

A crowd of 1,109 attended the game at McAlister Field House.

East Tennessee State returns home to host Mercer on Saturday. The Citadel remains at home to face Wofford, also on Saturday.