Explorers slip past Miners

PIKEVILLE, KY. – Michael Peeples hit the second of two free throw attempts with 0.3 seconds remaining Monday night to lift Great Falls to a 109-108 win over non-conference rival East Kentucky. Peeples, who drew a foul from East Kentucky’s Josh Pace to get to the free throw line, led a balanced Great Falls scoring attack. The visiting team’s most valuable player for the game finished with a team-high 23 points.

Peeples was one of six Great Falls players to reach double figures in the scoring column. Junior Burroughs scored 21 points and Pele Paelay added 20 for the Explorers.

Great Falls finished strong, outscoring East Kentucky 31-23 in the final quarter.

Pace hit an acrobatic three-point field goal with 0.7 remaining to tie the game at 108-all before Peeples drew the foul.
East Kentucky led at the end of each of the first three quarters. The Miners outscored Great Falls 32-30 in the opening quarter and entered halftime out in front 61-59.

East Kentucky stretched its lead in the third quarter and owned an 85-78 lead when the fourth quarter started.

Jason McLeish led East Kentucky in scoring. McLeish tossed in a game-high 28 points. Boo Jackson and Pace scored 21 points apiece as part of separate double-double performances. Jackson pulled down a game-high 20 rebounds. Pace grabbed 12 boards for the Miners.

Mike Crain added 12 points in host East Kentucky’s setback.

East Kentucky will host Great Falls Wednesday night in a rematch.

Tip-off for Wednesday night’s matchup is set for 7:05 p.m.