Josh Piper had a career-high 28 points and seven rebounds to lead Eastern Illinois to a 63-50 victory against Texas-Pan American in an ''Ice Man'' Classic game on Saturday.
Piper shot 10 of 16 from the floor, 2 of 4 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Panthers (1-3).
Brandon Provost scored 12 points for the Broncs (1-4).
Eastern Illinois led 30-29 at intermission, and a 20-6 run over a 9:27 stretch of the second half gave it control. Piper scored six points during the surge, which culminated with his two free throws after Texas-Pan American coach Ryan Marks was ejected with two technical fouls with 9:29 remaining. The free throws gave the Panthers a 52-38 advantage.
The win was Jay Spoonhour's first as Eastern Illinois coach.
