Jacksonville, Florida-The sting of a tumultuous season for the EWU men's basketball squad was made a bit lighter on Wednesday evening in the Tigers' 76-70 home win over Allen in an SIAC East Division matchup at the Adams-Jenkins Community Sports & Music Complex.

As has been the case for many of the Tigers' (4-14, 3-10 SIAC) contests this season, the team started off hot, building off of a 25-4 run to take a 27-10 lead, just over the halfway mark of the first half. Allen (2-17, 2-12 SIAC) was able to close the gap to six with over a minute to play, but Edward Waters closed the half strong to take a 39-28 lead at halftime.

It seemed like misfortune would once again strike the Purple & Orange in the second half as the visitors were the ones that had the hot hand, starting out on a 17-5 run over the first six minutes of the half to recapture their first lead of the contest since the first half. Edward Waters was able to show major resolve and growth, firing back with a 14-6 run of their own to take the advantage back for good at 58-51 with 7:20 remaining. The Yellow Jackets would once again not go away, cutting the lead down to one with 5:45 remaining, but a final 14-9 offensive outburst from the Tigers proved to be the difference in gaining a much needed victory.

Larry Kuimi led the Tigers with another double-double effort of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while reserve freshman guard Andre Myers had his best and most extended effort of his young career with 16 points and seven boards in 27 minutes of action. Floor general Cahlib Edwards chipped in with 15 points, including going 10-of-12 from the charity stripe, and backcourt mate Tavares Oliver once again turned in a double figure night with 14 points.

The Purple & Orange will return the home-and-home series with Allen on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, S. C with tip time from the John Hurst Adams Gymnasium is slated for 4:00pm.

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