NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Morehead State’s men’s basketball team had its chances Saturday night at the OVC’s top-ranked team, Belmont, but unfortunately the Bruins put together too many scoring runs and held the Eagles to just 33 percent shooting as Belmont defeated the Eagles 73-58 at the Curb Event Center.
The setback was the first in 2021 for MSU after reeling off a program record 12 straight wins. The Eagles (16-7/13-3 OVC) still remain in second place in the OVC, however, as Belmont moved to 22-1 and 16-0 in the conference.
Belmont used a 16-3 run to end the first half and a quick 8-0 run at a key point in the final half when the Eagles cut the deficit to single digits.
Freshman forward Johni Broome was able to collect his eighth double-double of the season with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, while sophomore guard Ta’lon Cooper backed up his 17-point effort at Tennessee State Thursday with a 16-point night to lead four Eagles in double figures.
Belmont’s Grayson Murphy posted the program’s first-ever triple-double in their NCAA era with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
KEY MOMENTS
– Morehead State found itself trailing 18-8 with 12:34 left in the first half, but the Eagles started a scoring run of their own. A three-pointer by DeVon Cooper at 8:56 had MSU back to within 21-17.
– With 4:49 remaining in the half, KJ Hunt buried a three-pointer, and the Eagles were tied with the Bruins at 27-all.
– Belmont quickly scored the next five points though. A jumper by Evan Brauns was followed by a transition triple from Tate Pierson after a turnover on transition from MSU.
– Those plays kick-started a 16-3 run to end the half for Belmont, as Ta’lon Cooper was the lone Eagle to score in the final 4:49.
– The Eagles got behind by as much as 19 in the second half, but cut it to 57-49 following Broome’s bucket at 6:34.
– However, Belmont proceeded to go on an 8-0 run – all driving layups – to push back out.
KEY STATS
– Belmont finished with a 41-38 rebound advantage, just the second team to grab more rebound than the Eagles in OVC play.
– DeVon Cooper and junior guard Skyelar Pottereach scored 11 points.
– Morehead State did hold the league’s top offensive team to 10 points below its season average.
– The Eagles only had 10 turnovers, but the Bruins turned that into 17 points.
– MSU finished at 21-of-63 from the floor, the lowest total since a 25-percent night at Ohio State.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will be off during the week before returning to action at UT Martin Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
