BOX SCORE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jordan Lathon totaled 22 points and Riley Minix added 20 as the Morehead State men's basketball team defeated the Tennessee State Tigers 68-49 on the road Thursday.
The Eagles (17-5, 8-1 OVC) were led by Lathon, who also had his fourth career double-double with 10 rebounds. Minix's 20-point effort was the eighth time he has reached 20 this season. He added seven rebounds, and Drew Thelwell provided seven assists and a career-high five steals.
With the win, head coach Preston Spradlin moved into sole possession of third place in coaching wins for the men's basketball program - now with 131. He passed former great Wayne Martin.
Morehead State out-rebounded Tennessee State 35-24 in Thursday's game, led by Lathon's 10 boards. The Eagles also limited TSU to just three offensive boards - a season best for opponent rebounds on the offensive glass. TSU had only two second-chance points.
Morehead State's defense held Tennessee State to only 15 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 40 percent overall from the field. The Eagles finished at 50 percent from the field for the 11th time this year, as MSU has won 30 consecutive games when it shoots 50 percent or better.
Jason Jitobah's 12 points led the Tigers.
How It Happened
After falling behind 11-10, Morehead State went on a 7-0 run with 11:15 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Lathon, to take a 17-11 lead. The Eagles then added seven points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 35-22 advantage. Morehead State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 35 points close to the basket.
Morehead State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 58-39 with 5:40 to go in the contest. The Eagles held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 68-49 win.
Game Notes
» The Eagles held the Tigers to only 40 percent shooting from the field.
» Morehead State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
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Jordan Lathon and
Riley Minix carried the load for the Eagles, accounting for 62 percent their points.
» Morehead State had a 35-24 edge on the boards in the win.
» Morehead State scored 34 points in the paint.
Up Next
MSU will go for a season sweep of Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn., Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.
