Evansville tops Martin Methodist 87-69

Nov 9, 2013, 10:49 pm

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- D.J. Balentine scored 29 points and had 9 assists to lead Evansville to an 87-69 win over NAIA opponent Martin Methodist Saturday.

Balentine was 9-14 from the floor and 9 of 11 from the line.

Evansville never trailed in the game, jumping out to a 9-0 lead on a Blake Simmons jump shot, a jumper and two free throws by Baletine, and Adam Wing's 3-pointer.

The RedHawks came back to tie it at 9 with 14:43 remaining in the first period. A Balentine layup, a dunk by Jaylon Moore and two free throws by Simmons put the Purple Aces ahead 15-9. They led 43-33 at the half.

The RedHawks had a run midway through the second period that cut the deficit to 57-54 on a Darius Woods 3-point jump shot.

Evansville quickly stretched the lead to 13 with 8:20 remaining. Martin Methodist never threatened again.