EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the fourth time in five years, the University of Evansville men's basketball team picked up a win an opening-night as the Purple Aces defeated Arkansas State by a final of 77-63 on Friday evening in the Ford Center.
Leading the way for the Aces was junior Ryan Taylor. He posted 21 points and seven rebounds to lead the squad in both stats. He was one of four double-digit scorers for the team. Newcomer K.J. Riley finished the night with 12 points. He hit a game-high eight free throws in nine attempts. Dru Smith notched 11, all in the first half, while Dainius Chatkevicius had 10 points, six caroms and three blocks.