BOX SCORE
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Newcomer Riley Minix scored 19 points in his Morehead State debut, but the Eagle men's basketball team could not keep up in a 105-73 loss to the No. 24 Alabama Crimson Tide on the road Monday in the 2023-24 season opener.
The Eagles had three players score in double figures, led by the Southeastern (Fla.) transfer Minix, who also had a team-high five rebounds. Jordan Lathon, who sat out last season with injuries, tacked on 14 points and Drew Thelwell chipped in as well with 13 points.
The Eagles turned 13 takeaways into 18 points on the other end of the floor. Minix's two steals led the way for Morehead State. But, Alabama was nearly unstoppable shooting the basketball. The Tide finished at 56 percent (32-of-57), hit 10 three-pointers and were 31-of-38 on free throws. Grant Nelson's 24 points led the SEC team.
How It Happened
Morehead State struggled out of the gate, falling behind 55-35 heading into halftime.
Alabama kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing an 81-53 advantage before Morehead State went on an 8-0 run, finished off by Jerone Morton's layup, to shrink the deficit to 81-61 with 7:54 to go in the contest. Alabama responded and outscored the Eagles the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 105-73. Morehead State capitalized on six Alabama turnovers in the second period, collecting 11 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» The Morehead State defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Morehead State managed 36 points in the paint.
Up Next
The Eagles return home to host Shawnee State (Ohio) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
