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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Senior Karam Mashour registered a career-best 24 points, while senior Kareem Storey and junior Brent Arrington posted their first career double-doubles as Morehead State notched an 82-69 Ohio Valley Conference win over Austin Peay on Wednesday night at Aaron Arena.
The Eagles, who have won three consecutive games (all on the road), improve to 10-13 overall, 5-3 in league play and 6-7 on the road. The Governors fall to 7-14 overall, 2-6 in conference action and 5-3 at home. Morehead State also improves to 54-51 in the all-time series against Austin Peay.
"You don't win too many games when you commit 30 fouls and the opponent shoots 25 more free throws, but that's what we did tonight," Head Coach Sean Woods said. "Give our guys a lot of credit. They battled for 40 minutes and found a way to get another Ohio Valley Conference road victory."
Mashour, in his 25th game at Morehead State, knocked down 10-of-15 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also pulled down seven rebounds. Storey, in his 52nd contest as an Eagle, recorded 13 points and 12 assists. Arrington, in his 57th tilt at MSU, tallied 16 points and 10 boards.
"We had contributions from a lot of different guys tonight," Woods said. "Karam, Kareem and Brent all came up with big performances. We've had recent success with a smaller line-up, so we may stick with it. We've created match-up problems, on both ends of the floor and at all five positions."
MSU drilled 55 percent (32-of-58) from the floor and 74 percent (14-of-19) from the foul line.
APSU connected on just 36 percent (16-of-45) from the field, but made 73 percent (32-of-44) of its free tosses. The Governors were just 4-of-21 from the field in the second half, but hit 27-of-39 from the charity stripe. Morehead State was whistled for 30 fouls, including 22 after intermission.
The Eagles recorded a 56-14 advantage in paint points and 16-10 edge in assists.
Morehead State also managed a 36-30 upper hand in rebounds. The Eagles are +60 in rebounds and +47 in offensive boards over their last nine contests and have only been outrebounded once during the stretch. MSU has paced the conference in rebounding margin the past six seasons.
"We've gotten better in recent weeks because we've had so many more opportunities for practice," Woods said. "Our defense has been pretty solid all season, and I'm starting to see big strides in our offensive efficiency. We've made more shots because our passing has gotten a lot better."
Morehead State used a 10-0 run early in the first half to jump out in front. The Eagles sat in the driver's seat for more than 31 minutes. Austin Peay used a late first-half surge to take its largest lead -- four points -- with 1:40 remaining before the break. There were nine ties and seven lead changes.
MSU dressed 12 players and used nine individuals in the contest, including senior Jalen Courtney for the first time this season. The LSU transfer has battled back from two knee injuries.
Austin Peay junior Chris Horton knocked down 15-of-20 from the free-throw line, including 13-of-18 in the second period, to finish with a team-high 23 points. He also collected a game-best 11 rebounds.
Morehead State opens a three-game homestand on Saturday when it battles rival Eastern Kentucky in the annual "Gold Rush" game. The doubleheader will begin with the women at 2 p.m. ET. The men's game, which follows around 4:30 p.m., will be televised by This TV and the CW Lexington.
"Our guys are looking forward to three straight home games," Woods added. "We need a big crowd on Saturday at Johnson Arena. Our men's and women's teams both deserve that. It's only one game, and it only counts once in the standings, but you always want to play well against your rival."
