Eastern Illinois Falls To South Dakita State In Season Opener

(WSCR) - Eastern Illinois tried to keep a lead over South Dakota State in both teams' season opener, but suffered a 67-55 defeat.

APNewsNow. South Dakota State 67, Eastern Illinois 55.

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) - Clint Sargent scored 19 points Friday night to lead South Dakota State to a 67-55 victory over Eastern Illinois in the season opener for both teams.

Dale Moss added 16 points and Nate Wolters 11 for the Jackrabbits, who led 40-30 at halftime and opened up an 18-point lead by the final minutes. It was the first meeting between the schools.

Sargent was 4-of-6 from behind the 3-point line, where South Dakota State made 10-of-20 in the game.

Jeremy Granger led four Panthers in double figures with 16 points. He also had a game-high nine rebounds. Shaun Pratl had 12 points, Curry McKinney 11 and Tyler Laser 10 for Eastern Illinois.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)