Published: November 22, 2008 12:59 am      

EKU starts Legends Classic against Texas Tech

The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team faces an opponent who, two days ago, scored 167 points: Texas Tech.

The Colonels game with the Red Raiders is set to tipoff at 2 p.m. EST at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas. The game is part of the Legends Classic. Texas Tech is coming off a program-record score of 167-115 over East Central (Okla.) University in its first game of the Legends Classic.

“It was a very impressive box score,” EKU coach Jeff Neubauer said. “There were 10 Red Raiders in double figures. We talked to the team about it. We told them that to beat Texas Tech, we’re going to have to hold them to less than 67. Hopefully, defensively we can make a difference in the game tomorrow.”

Defensively, the Colonels will have their hands full. Leading the Red Raiders in scoring Thursday was Trevor Cook, who had 20 points. Also coming up big for Tech were Alan Voskuil and John Roberson (both with 17 points), Wally Dunn and Mike Singletary (both with 16 points) and Nick Okorie (15 points).

“I think tomorrow’s game will be a much different basketball game than Thursday’s for them,” Neubauer said. “Our style of controlling the tempo will create a different dynamic on the court. It could be really good for us.”

After dropping their season opener, 57-54, to Florida International University, the Colonels bounced back with a 69-44 victory over Winston-Salem State Tuesday. The Colonels are led by senior Mike Rose, who has averaged 19 points this season. Another offensive presence for EKU has been sophomore Justin Stommes, who has averaged 13.5 points through the first two games, including 16 points at FIU.

However, Neubauer said he is still looking for the new offensive faces — Papa Oppong, Dayvon Ellis, Mike Lewis and Josh Taylor — to step up for the Colonels.

“Justin Stommes has had two outstanding offensive games,” he said. “He has shot well and taken care of the ball. Both him and Mike Rose have been very consistent. We still need Josh Taylor and Mike Lewis, Dayvon and Papa to contribute more. They really are capable of doing more.”

EKU has faced Texas Tech three times prior to tonight’s game, which will be broadcast on WLFX-FM 106.7 and on EKUSports.com. The Colonels won the first two meetings, in 1960 and 1971, before Texas Tech got one back in 1993 with a 93-83 win in Oklahoma City.

“Just like any early-season game, you want people to become more comfortable within our system,” Neubauer said. “We want the defense to improve game-to-game. We’ve been happy with the way the defense has been played in first four halves of play. When we’re stepping up against a Big 12 opponent, the question is: can defense give us opportunities to win?”