E. Illinois 80, Jacksonville St. 64

2/28/2008 9:57 PM

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) -Jake Byrne had a game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead Eastern Illinois to an 80-64 win over Jacksonville State on Thursday night.

Tyler Laser added 21 points, including five 3-pointers, for Eastern Illinois (6-22, 5-14 Ohio Valley), which led 32-30 at the half. Ousmane Cisse chipped in 12 points.

Jacksonville State (6-22, 4-15) could not keep up with the Panthers, who began the second half on a 9-1 run to put the game out of reach.

Eastern Illinois shot 70 percent from the floor in the second half and 61 percent for the game. The Panthers also dominated inside, outrebounding Jacksonville State 40-21 and outscoring the Gamecocks in the paint 42-16.

Will Ginn led Jacksonville State with 15 points on 5-for-9 3-point shooting.