Stony Brook falls short vs. Eastern Illinois

Despite a 20-1 run in the first half and a career-high 19 points by senior Al Rapier, the Stony Brook men's basketball team lost to Eastern Illinois, 72-69, yesterday in Charleston, Ill.

After Stony Brook (2-4) fell behind 57-49, Rapier sank three baskets in a 90-second span to move the Seawolves within 66-65 with 1:06 to play and Tommy Brenton converted a three-point play with 10 seconds left to make it 70-69. Joey Miller then hit two free throws to put Eastern Illlinois up by three. Stony Brook had the ball with 9.1 seconds left and a chance to tie, but Bryan Dougher missed a three-pointer.

"Eastern Illinois played a very good game today, and I thought our defense struggled with their personnel,'' Stony Brook coach Steve Pikiell said. "They have some good players that we had no answer for today. We have to get better on defense.''

Dougher had 16 points and Brenton added 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Rapier pulled down nine rebounds. Jeremy Granger scored 25 points for Eastern Illinois (5-2).

Dougher scored 11 consecutive points as Stony Brook put together a 20-1 run that turned a 13-6 deficit into a 26-14 lead. But Eastern Illinois ended the first half on a 15-4 run that left Stony Brook with a 30-29 halftime lead.

The Panthers were 16-for-21 from the line to the Seawolves' 4-for-5. Eastern Illinois shot 17 free throws in the second half.