BOX SCORE
FLORENCE, Ala. --The Morehead State men's basketball team went into the half trailing North Alabama 37-30, but erupted for 56 points and outscored the Lions by 14 to secure an 86-77 road win at Flowers Hall Sunday.
It marked the Eagle program's first-ever win over UNA after falling in 2019 and last season. It also gave MSU its fifth consecutive victory in the non-conference portion of the 2023-24 campaign.
The Eagles (7-3) had four players score in double figures, led by Jordan Lathon, who had 26 points and six rebounds. Lathon exploded for 20 points in the second half, when the Eagles outscored UNA 56-40. Drew Thelwell added 19 points, four assists and two steals, and Riley Minix helped out with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Kalil Thomas hit three triples and finished with 13 points.
The Morehead State offense was efficiently productive from downtown, making 11 threes on 23 attempts for 48 percent - a aseason standard. Lathon was the most prolific shooter for the Eagles, draining four treys in the contest. The Eagles also finished at 30-of-60 shooting, hitting on 50 percent. It's the fourth straight game above .500 shooting, which had not occurred since the 2009-10 season.
Morehead State also did a great job disrupting North Alabama shots in the contest, coming away with a season-high eight blocks. Minix's three rejections led the way individually for the Eagles.
How It Happened
After falling behind 12-7, Morehead State went on a 7-0 run with 14:28 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Minix, to take a 14-12 lead. But, the Eagles then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 37-30.
After intermission, Morehead State managed to gain control and eventually had a 77-70 lead before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Thomas' layup, to grow the lead to 84-70 with 1:34 to go in the contest. Morehead State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting eight shots from deep to score 24 of its 56 points.
Game Notes
» Morehead State rallied from a seven-point 37-30 halftime deficit to pick up the win.
» The Eagles shot well from three point range, knocking down 11 of 23 long range attempts.
» The Eagles held the Lions to only 39 percent shooting from the field.
» Morehead State turned the ball over only six times while dishing out 13 assists.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Jacari Lane led UNA (and all scorers) with 28 points, while Tim Smith had 21.
Up Next
The Eagles return home and host first-time opponent Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (Ind.) Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
