Men's Basketball Tripped Up at North Alabama, Falling by 10 Points

BOX SCORE

FLORENCE, Ala. -- A tough day shooting the ball spelled trouble for the Morehead State men's basketball team at North Alabama Saturday as the first-ever meeting between the teams went to the host Lions, 67-57, at Flowers Hall.

Morehead State slipped to 4-4 overall.

The Eagles found the going tough from the outside, hitting only 3-of-24 from distance. The Eagles did trim as much as a 16-point deficit down to only five (59-54) with less than two minutes left, but eight free throws made by the Lions pushed the final margin back out to double digits.

Junior forward James Baker was the team's leading scorer with 14, while senior guard Jordan Walker drained a three with 13 seconds left to get to 12 points and his 61st career double-figure effort.

After a four-game road swing, MSU returns home Wednesday to host IUPUI at 7 p.m. All fans who bring an unwrapped toy will receive a ticket for just $6, while season ticket holders who bring a toy to donate to Rowan County Christmas will receive a concession voucher.

KEY MOMENTS

- After freshman forward Tyzhaun Claude's made jumper with 13:55 left in the first half tied the game 8-8, UNA went on an 8-0 run and never trailed again.
- Walker hit a free throw with 1:45 left in the opening half to trim the deficit to 23-18. The Lions eventually led 28-22 at the half.
- Cameron Diggs' basket with 5:40 remaining pushed UNA to its largest lead at 57-41.
- A pair of free throws by senior guard Djimon Henson at 5:26 kick-started a late 13-2 run for MSU.
- Walker's second triple of the day pulled MSU to within 59-54 with 1:47 left in the game.

KEY STATS

- Morehead State shot 38 percent for the game (24-of-63). The Eagles improved to 41 percent (14-of-34) in the final half.
- North Alabama managed to hit 41 percent (22-of-54).
- The Eagles were narrowly out-rebounded 38-37.
- Keeping up its hefty average, the Eagles scored 40 points in the paint. 
- Junior guard Justin Thomas contributed a game-high six assists.

QUOTING COACH SPRADLIN

"I thought we settled too many times for outside shots instead of driving the basketball. We needed to go more inside, and we allowed them to drive the ball. We will work hard on finding our identity again. We are a team that plays good defense and attacks the goal."