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ST. DAVIDS, Pa. — Eastern
University's Tyrone Coleman scored a
career high 25 points to lead the
Eagles to a 79-66 non-conference win
over the Patriots of Valley Forge
Christian (11-14). The Eagles (13-8,
9-6) put three players in double
figures and shot 51% from the field
for their third consecutive victory.
Senior guard Lenny DiMaria, who hit
for 18 points on the day, got the
Eagles going early as he scored six
points in an opening 10-5 run. The
patriots cut the deficit to 10-9 on
a pair of free throws from James
Fulton and an inside basket from
Keith Watkins. Coleman then answered
with his first three pointer of the
day and an inside basket off a pass
from Jason Reels. Coleman, who hit
five three pointers in six attempts
for the day, led all scorers at the
break with nine. The Eagles also got
solid interior defending from Mike
Johnson who blocked seven first half
shots and pulled down six boards.
Matt Flanagan hit three free throws
to end the half and give the Eagles
a 38-28 cushion at the break.
The second half saw the Eagles move
forward in fits and starts, but
never seem to find a rhythm. It did
seem,however, the Coleman was there
to answer every time the Patriots
cut into the lead. Coleman said of
his effort, "They just gave me open
shots and I took them. It was as
simple as that I guess. I was
accurate today, thank goodness"
The Eagles twice led by 17, but
could never gain further separation
as the Patriots were able to take
advantage of their offensive
rebounding to score 12 second chance
points in the second. Watkins and
Justyn Mitchell led the Patriots
with ten point efforts for the day.
Eastern was able to force 12 second
half turnovers and converted for 16
points off those to make a
difference in the game. David Volpe
joined Coleman and DiMaria in double
figures with ten and added a game
high seven assists. Johnson finished
the day with nine points, eight
boards, eight blocks, four assists
and three steals.
Eastern Coach Matt Nadelhoffer said
of the game, "They (Valley Forge)
played hard, and have some very
talented players, I thought we
played with really good intensity in
spurts, and then we let up and let
them back in a little. We need to
build on those moments of good
intensity as we go into the rest of
the year."
Eastern returns to action Monday
evening with another home
non-conference game against
Rutgers-Camden before traveling
across the street for a Thursday
night league battle at Cabrini.
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