JONESBORO (11/24/07) ? Adrian Banks pumped in 22 points and Ryan Wedel added 18 more to lead Arkansas State to a 74-60 victory over Eastern Illinois Saturday night in the Convocation Center. The win is the first for ASU who now stands 1-3.

“The first 20 minutes, we played special,” said Head Coach Dickey Nutt. “We've been trying to see improvement. Losing puts a heavy burden on your shoulders and it's great to win. Banks and Wedel were outstanding. Ryan hit some backbreaking shots when they were against the wall. I also thought we played well defensively.”

Both teams played even in the opening minutes until ASU's Yima Chia-Kur hit a three-pointer to give the Indians a 14-9 advantage. Despite 14 first-half points by EIU's Romain Martin, the Panthers weren't able to narrow the gap and ASU took a 47-22 lead at the half.

ASU continued its assault in the second half with EIU able to come no closer than 14 points late in the game.

The Indians shot a blistering 59.3 percent from the field in the first half and was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line. In addition, Banks and Wedel combined for 7-of-12 from the three point line to lead the team to a 52.9 percentage of three's.

Banks led all scorers with 22 points with his 8-of-12 shooting performance and Wedel added 18, hitting 6-of-10 from the field.Yima Chia-Kur added nine. Banks led in rebounding with four.

For the Panthers, Romain Martin had 21 points and Julio Anthony added 14. Bobby Catchings led with 10 rebounds and Bobby Jolliff added seven.

ASU goes on the road Monday evening to play Murray State at 7 p.m. Nutt said the Indians will practice Sunday then depart for Murray, Ky., Sunday evening.

“This is a great opportunity,” said Nutt. “Murray State has lots of tradition.”

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