BOX SCORE
EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.  -- Five Eagles scored in double digits and Morehead State's men's basketball squad knocked off the OVC first-place SIUE Cougars 67-58 on the road Thursday.
The Eagles (11-9, 4-3 OVC ) were led by Mark Freeman, who had 15 points, four assists and two steals. Jake Wolfe added 13 points and Kalil Thomas helped out with a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds - his first career Eagle double-double. Branden Maughmer added 11 points and Drew Thelwell reached double digits for the eighth straight gae with 10.
The Morehead State offense was impressive from three-point land, pouring in nine threes on 19 attempts. Thomas hit three treys for the Eagles in the contest. MSU also hit 14 of 17 free throws, including 8-of-8 in the final 45 seconds to thwart a Cougar comeback attempt.
The Morehead State defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 15 SIU Edwardsville (14-6, 5-2 OVC) turnovers while committing 13. Those takeaways turned into 21 points on the other end of the floor. Freeman's two steals led the way individually for the Eagles.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 17-16 advantage, Morehead State went on a 12-0 run with 8:33 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Maughmer, to increase its lead to 29-16. The Eagles then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 36-26 advantage. Morehead State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 36 points.
Morehead State kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 63-52 with 33 seconds to go in the contest. The Cougars narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over cutting it down to a six-point deficit, but the Eagles still cruised the rest of the way for the 67-58 win. Morehead State capitalized on eight SIUE turnovers in the period, collecting 11 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» The Eagles shot well from three point range, knocking down nine of 19 long range attempts.
» The Eagles held the Cougars to only 38.5 percent shooting from the field.
» Morehead State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Morehead State had a 29-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Eagles are now 32-2 in the last three seasons when the opponent scores 60 or fewer points.
» Morehead State is now 5-3 all-time against SIUE on its home court.
Up Next
MSU travels to OVC newcomer Lindenwood on Saturday for a 4:30 p.m. ET contest.
