Yakama pulls past Miners in second half

YAKIMA, Wash. – Jermaine Blackburn recorded a triple-double of 18
points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists Friday night as the host Yakama Sun
Kings defeated visiting East Kentucky 106-101 at the Sun Dome.

Blackburn was one of six Yakama players to reach double figures in the
scoring column. Desmond Ferguson scored a team-high 22 points for the
Sun Kings. Jason Sasser (15), Harvey Thomas (14), Moochie Norris (13)
and Tim Ellis (13) also reached double figures scoring in Yakama’s home
victory.

Yakama won the quarter points 5-2.

The Sun Kings edged East Kentucky 29-27 in the opening quarter. East
Kentucky claimed its first quarter point in the second period,
outscoring Yakama 32-29 on its way to a 59-58 halftime lead.
Yakama pulled out in front in the third quarter, outscoring the Miners
33-23.

The Sun Kings improved to 25-1 after defeating East Kentucky in the
non-conference matchup.

Josh Pace led East Kentucky in scoring with 25 points. Pace also had
eight rebounds and five assists. Boo Jackson recorded a double-double,
scoring 24 points and pulling down 15 rebounds for the Miners. Jackson
also recorded six steals and three assists for the visiting team.

Mike Dean chipped in nine points for the Miners. Reo Logan, Mike Crain
and Lawrence Barnes added six points apiece for East Kentucky in the
road setback.

East Kentucky dropped to 16-14 following the loss.