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Eastern Illinois turns away Austin Peay 83-73

Feb 26, 2010 - 4:24 AM CHARLESTON, Ill.(AP) -- Tyler Laser and Jeremy Granger scored 21 points apiece to lead Eastern Illinois to its sixth consecutive victory in an 83-73 decision over Austin Peay on Thursday night.

James Hollowell added 12 and Shaun Pratl 11 for the Panthers (17-11, 10-7 Ohio Valley Conference), who have clinched fifth place but still have a shot at a first-round bye.

Wes Channels scored 23 points for the Governors (16-14, 10-7), who lost their second straight but can earn a bye with a victory Saturday at Southeast Missouri. Anthony Campbell had 13 and Tyrone Caldwell 10.

Austin Peay led 36-35 at the break, but Granger opened the second half with a basket that pushed Eastern Illinois ahead for good.

Eastern Illinois led 55-52 with 12:07 remaining before Pratl scored five straight points and Laser drained a 3-pointer for a 63-52 advantage, which the Panthers held the rest of the game.