DANBURY, Conn. – The Eastern Connecticut State University men's basketball team shot 27 percent in a 19-point first half in dropping its Little East Conference opener for the first time in seven years, 79-47, to Western Connecticut State University Wednesday evening at Feldman Arena.

Eastern had rebounded from three season-opening losses to gain a measure of momentum with convincing victories over Wesleyan University in its home-opener and on the road against Connecticut College three days ago, but was soundly thumped against Western in its bid to reach .500.

In its worst loss to Western (5-3, 1-0 LEC) since a 35-point drubbing 55 years ago, Eastern (2-4, 0-1 LEC) was held to 30.0 percent shooting from the floor, 4-of-19 from three-point range. Eastern was 17-1 against Western in the previous 18 meetings, the loss coming last year at Feldman Arena, 85-75.

No Eastern player finished in double figures, with sophomore forward Seth Thomas (Norwich) scoring eight points and grabbing a game-high ten rebounds.

Eastern sophomore guard Tyreice Woods (Hartford) came off the bench for eight points and four rebounds in 18 minutes.

Sophomore guard Ahmod Privott helped Western end a two-game losing streak with a game-high 17 point, with senior forward Fenton Bradley adding 13 points and five rebounds.

Eastern hosts Worcester State University in a non-conference game Saturday at 3 p.m.