ST. DAVID'S, Pa. – A late 25-10 run by Eastern University handed the Wilkes University men's basketball team its first loss in Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) play this season as the Colonels dropped a 91-76 decision on Saturday afternoon, spoiling a career-best effort from Mark Mullins who finished with a career- and game-high 24 points.
Wilkes sits at 3-1 in conference and 10-5 overall.
Eastern was able to jump out to the first extended lead, taking a 3-3 tie with 17:51 remaining and going on a 9-2 run to take a 12-5 lead just 4:08 into the game. The Eagles lead by as many as 14 with 6:39 left until the half at 34-20, but the Colonels found life, finishing on a 15-5 run as Eastern entered halftime with a 39-35 lead.
Wilkes came out determined in the second once again as it started on a 10-5 run with three layups from Marcus Robinson to take a one point lead at 45-44 2:27 into the second frame. Both teams traded leads over the next 10 minutes before the Eagles went on an 11-2 run to take a 77-67 lead with 5:46 on the clock. Eastern maintained the double-digit lead the rest of the way sending the Colonels home with a loss in conference for the first time this season.
Wilkes was led by Mullins, who added nine rebounds and four steals, shooting 14-of-19 from the free-throw line to go with his career-high point total. Robinson added 16 points and four rebounds, Rob Pecorelli contributed 13 points and six rebounds, while Connor Evans had 11 points, four assists, and three steals.
The Eagles were led by Antonio Chapman's 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Darius Washington (21 points, three steals), Austin James (13 points, seven rebounds), and Jordan Johnson (13 points, four rebounds) all finished in double-figures for Eastern.
The Colonels return to action on Wednesday when they host DeSales University for a 6:00 p.m. MAC Freedom contest at the Marts Center.
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