Eastern Kentucky beats Florida International 81-67

RICHMOND, Ky. — Pappa Oppong scored 21 points to lead five players in double figures in an 81-67 win over Florida International on Saturday night.

Justin Stommes scored 15 points, and Josh Taylor and Spencer Perrin each had 14. Dayvon Ellis added 10 points off the bench.

The Colonels are 5-1 for the first time since the 2006-07 season, the last time they earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Panthers (2-6), led 32-31 at halftime but the Colonels shot 63.6 percent (21-for-33) from the field in the second half to pull away. The Colonels led by as many as 16 points.

The Colonels fired 28 3-point shots and made 7 of 13 (58.1 percent) in the second half, and 42.9 percent (12-for-28) for the game.

Marvin Roberts led the Owls with 19 points. Marlon Gary added 13 points, J.C. Otero had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Phil Gary scored 10 points.