RICHMOND, Ky.-For four years, Mike Rose terrorized the Ohio Valley Conference as the do-everything guard for Eastern Kentucky. In fact, without Lester Hudson's presence at UT Martin, Rose would have been considered the OVC's preeminent guard.
In many peoples eyes, in fact, Rose was Eastern Kentucky.
So without Rose entering 2009-10 the Colonels were not highly regarded in the league's preseason polls, landing fifth in the league coaches and SIDs version of predictions. But Eastern Kentucky is doing quite nicely without Rose. In fact, the Colonels had one of the league's top pre-seasons, gaining wins against solid non-conference opponents and playing tough some major programs.
The Colonels come into Monday night's game with Austin Peay owning an overall 9-5 record, including a 79-71 Saturday OVC win against visiting Tennessee State. That moved EKU to 2-1 in the OVC and pushed their home mark to 7-0 this season.
The Colonels remain an efficient club under fifth-year coach Jeff Neubauer. As a team they are shooting 48.3 percent from the floor, including 41.1 percent from three-point range-they have made 141 three pointers this season.
Forward Justin Stommes has developed into one of the OVC's top shooters, averaging 15.6 ppg while shooting 52.6 percent from the floor. Forward Josh Taylor (14.3 ppg) and guard Papa Oppong (11.1 ppg) also are averaging in double figures. The Colonels are averaging 10 made three pointers per game.
The Colonels offensive efficiency-they also are averaging just 10.1 turnovers per game-helps offset a size and inside power issue that has seen EKU grabbing just 27.4 rebounds per game and being outrebounded by 7.6 caroms an outing.
The Governors, meanwhile, will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 68-65 overtime defeat to Morehead State in a game that saw APSU battle back from 11-point second-half deficit to force overtime.
But the Govs shot just 35.6 percent from the floor in the contest and committed 17 turnovers. APSU also received just three points from its bench.
As a result, star guard Wesley Channels and forward Anthony Campbell were asked to carry the bulk of the offensive load. Campbell came alive down the stretch with some crucial three-point baskets that not only got the Govs back in the game but eventually forced overtime. He also scored eight of APSU's nine points in overtime.
-AP-
