RICHMOND, Ky.- Jacksonville men's basketball fell 75-59 to the current ranked top team in the Atlantic Sun, Eastern Kentucky, on Thursday night.

Robert McCray V dropped 21 points, and Stephon Payne III had 14 points to go along with eight rebounds, but the preseason Atlantic Sun favorites in EKU remained perfect in conference play.

Eastern Kentucky had three players score in double figures, including Isaiah Coazart's 16-point, 13-rebound double-double, as well as an additional 13 points from Michael Moreno with an added eight rebounds. Leland Walker contributed with 10 assists for the current top-ranked Colonels.

The Dolphins and Colonels exchanged blows throughout the early parts of the first half; however, the last 10 minutes saw EKU go on a 25-13 run to help the home side to a 10-point lead at the break. EKU carried its momentum into the second half, jumping on a 7-0 run immediately out of the gates. While the game wore on, the Colonels also began to heat up from deep, getting five triples from Collin Cooper and Michael Moreno.

The Dolphins found late momentum, as Josiah Sabino contributed on both sides of the court with five rebounds, one steal, and one block. He also dished out three assists down the stretch and hit his lone try from range. As EKU entered the bonus, though, and the Dolphins down double digits, the deficit proved to be too much for a late run.

 
UP NEXT

The Dolphins continue their Kentucky swing on Saturday as they take on Bellarmine. Tip-off is slated for 4 pm and the game can be streamed on ESPN+ or heard on 1010XL.
 
NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

• McCray has scored in double figures 15 times this season.
• For Payne, it's his sixth game this season in double figures.
• Both McCray and Gyasi Powell had two steals on the night.
• Jalen Griffith made his first career start against the Colonels.