The men’s Skyhawk basketball team stopped a six game losing streak at home last night against the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 77-73.

The first half of the game was fairly close with the lead changing hands nine times. The Skyhawks managed to out-rebound the Panthers, 13-15 in the first half, with three more offensive rebounds than EIU.

Sophomore guard/forward Jared Newson led the first half scoring for the Skyhawks with 10 of his 18 points coming in the first 20 minutes.

The half ended with UTM down by three, 36-33, to the Panthers. EIU kept the lead for the first four and a half minutes of the second, when, with 15:36 left, Newson sank two free throws, tying the score at 45.

Senior forward Kenan Asceric followed up with a three, giving UTM their first lead, 48-45.

The Panthers tied up the score two more times and took the lead once during the remainder of the game, but were unable to capitalize on it.

With 2:23 left on the clock, the Skyhawks had the largest lead on the night, 69-59.

EIU tried to mount a comeback, but the closest they could get was within four on a three pointer by Panther Jason Wright with seven seconds left on the clock.

The game ended with the ‘Hawks on top, 77-73.

Four Skyhawk players ended the night with double digit point totals: Newson, who also had nine rebounds, with 18, junior guard Tyler George with 17, junior guard Jeremy Kelly with 11, and junior forward Chris Carter with 10.

The Skyhawks were 25-57 from the field, scoring 22 points off the Panthers’ 14 turnovers. They also went 22-37 from the line. UTM increases it record to 9-18 on the season and 4-11 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Skyhawks wrap up their season Saturday, February 28, in a conference game against Southeast Missouri State.

Senior Skyhawks will be honored before the game during the senior night festivities. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.