If someone had told Eastern Coach Matt Nadelhoffer that his team would shoot 58% from the floor for a game, Eastern's boss probably would have felt pretty good about his chances. The Eagles did just that against PAC preseason favored Wesley, but were unable to withstand the Wolverines pressure on defense and relentless work on the offensive glass as Eastern's five game win streak ended with an 81-76 home loss.

The Wolverines jumped to an early 20-10 advantage as Evan Martin scored seven early points for the visitors. After the two teams exchanged baskets, the eagles began to chip into the Wesley lead when Jason Reels found Matt Malloy coming off a double screen for a three pointer. After a pair of Rashawn Johnson free throws, the Eastern attack exploded on a 19-2 run to push the Eagles to an eight point lead. Mike Johnson fueled the run four assists and three blocked shots in the stretch. The half ended with the Eagles up 35-31.

Matt Malloy hit for ten points and grabbed six boards to lead the Eagles at the break. Rashawn Johnson led the guests with ten points at the break, but the sophomore standout shot just 4 of 11 in the opening frame.

The second half began with the Eagles rebuilding their lead on several inside baskets from Lenny DiMaria and a nice three point play from Jason Reels. The Wolverines hung in the game as they were able to get to the foul line and either convert on the shots or put in the rebound of the misses. Both teams struggled from the line for the evening, but Wesley was able to secure an inordinate number of offensive rebounds to keep the game within 8.

With just under seven minutes to go, Wesley's Johnson sparked a 12-0 run with ten points in just over two minutes to flip a seven point deficit into a five  point advantage. Johnson hit a pair of three pointers in the stretch. Mike Johnson hit a three pointer to cut the Wesley advantage to 68-66, but the Wolverines were able to force a couple key turnovers down the stretch and hit just enough free throws to hold on for the win.

Coach Nadelhoffer said of the loss, "We did some things really well in this game, but we also know that to win consistently we will need to do a better job securing rebounds and taking care of the ball. We shot 58%, but they had nearly 50% more attempts from the field than we did. We know what we need to do to get better, and I am confident that our guys will continue to work to improve. "

Lenny DiMaria led the Eagles with 25 points including eight of ten shooting in the second half. Johnson led Wesley with 28 points including 18 in the second half. Matt Malloy and Mike Johnson also joined DiMaria in double figures for the Eagles. Johnson had ten points, seven assists, six rebounds and five blocks and Malloy added eight boards. The Eagles recorded 26 assists on their 28 baskets, but also committed 21 turnovers which led to 31 Wesley points.

The Eagles will return to action Thursday night when they host Cabrini in the second game of a double header.  

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