OVC CHAMPS! Men’s Hoops Secures at Least Share of the 2022-23 OVC Regular Season Title

BOX SCORE

MOREHEAD, KY —The Morehead State men’s basketball team knocked down 12 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting 48 percent from deep in a 71-58 win against the Lindenwood Lions at home Saturday as MSU secured at least a share of its first OVC regular-season title since 2002-03.

The Eagles (19-10, 12-4 OVC) can clinch the title outright and the No. 1 seed in the tournament with one more victory in their final two games.

MSU had three players score in double figures, led by Drew Thelwell, who had 19 points. Alex Gross added 13 points and three blocks and Kalil Thomas helped out with 11 points.

Morehead State did an excellent job taking care of the basketball, dishing out 17 assists while turning the ball over just five times – a season low for mistakes. Individually, Mark Freeman lent a helping hand the most for the Eagles with six assists.

Morehead State’s defense held Lindenwood to only 38 percent shooting from the field. The Lions did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with seven offensive rebounds and managed nine second chance points while Morehead State cleared 23 defensive rebounds.

How It Happened
After falling behind 3-2, Morehead State went on a 9-0 run with 17:10 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Gross, to take an 11-3 lead. The Eagles then added seven points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 38-23 advantage. Morehead State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down seven shots to account for 21 of its 38 points.

Morehead State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Branden Maughmer’s three, to grow the lead to 51-35 with 13:21 to go in the contest. The Lions narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Eagles still cruised the rest of the way for the 71-58 win. Morehead State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting five shots from deep to score 15 of its 33 points.

Game Notes
» The Eagles shot well from three point range, knocking down 12 of 25 long range attempts.
» The Eagles held the Lions to only 38.8 percent shooting from the field.
» Morehead State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Morehead State tallied 17 total assists in the game.
» The Eagles were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying seven blocks as a team.
» Morehead State turned the ball over five times while dishing out 17 assists.
» Drew Thelwell led the Eagles with 19 points.
» Morehead State got a team-high five rebounds from Trent Scott.