Hamilton leads Prairie View to first win of season, 80-70 (Nov 20, 2017)

LAS VEGAS (AP) Zachary Hamilton scored 23 points and Prairie View A&M picked up its first victory of the season, beating Eastern Kentucky 80-70 at the MGM Main Event tournament on Monday.

Hamilton was 8-of-16 shooting and made three 3-pointers for the Panthers (1-3), who came in winless after a challenging string of games against Oregon, UNLV and Utah. Gary Blackston added 19 points and five assists and Dennis Jones 14 points.

Nick Mayo was 7-of-9 shooting and made 9 of 10 free throws in scoring 25 points for the Colonels (2-2). Deandre Dishman added 13 points.

Hamilton scored the first six points of the game and the Panthers never trailed, leading 39-29 at halftime. The Colonels opened the second half by scoring the first six points to cut their deficit to four, but wouldn't get closer. The Colonels were within six with four minutes left but a 10-2 Panthers run sealed the outcome.

The Panthers scored 27 points off 19 turnovers.

Prairie View advances to the championship game of the ''Middleweight Bracket'' on Wednesday with Georgia Southern playing for third place.