Huge second half run ignites Morehead State road win over Golden Eagles

Huge second half run ignites Morehead State road win over Golden Eagles


By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

COOEKVILLE, Tenn. – The game had everything it was expected to have, including intensity, physical play, relentless rebounding on both ends, and defenses that challenged every move. Both teams came in looking to extend three-game win streaks.

The one thing nobody expected was a 17-0 run.

And 40 minutes later, visiting Morehead State (18-9/9-3 OVC) claimed a 79-53 Ohio Valley Conference victory over Tennessee Tech (13-14/6-6 OVC) Saturday night in Eblen Center.

Morehead State's frontcourt trio of seniors Drew Kelly and Chad Posthumus, and freshman Greg Dotson led the way for the Eagles. Kelly scored a game-high 18 points, hitting 7-for-11 from the field, while Dotson added 14 on a 5-for-9 night. Posthumus fouled out, but not before adding 10 points and nine rebounds.

Point guard Jeremiah Samarrippas topped Tech with 11 points, along with four assists and three steals. Dennis Ogbe also reached double figures with 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 night from the field.

Morehead shot 55.1 percent from the field, hitting 27-for-49. Tech hit 34.6 percent, going 18-for-52. The teams combined for 11 blocked shots.

Tech had the lead just one time in the game, going up 2-0 to start the contest. Morehead State broke a 4-4 tie and never trailed after that. The visiting Eagles went on a 10-2 run to open a double-digit advantage, 29-17, with 4:52 to play in the first half.

Tech was able to cut it to nine twice before heading to the break trailing 34-24.

With two quick baskets to open the second half, Tech was within six, 34-28, but MSU regained its double digit advantage. A 17-0 run over the next four minutes puffed the difference to 24 points, 59-35, with 7:05 remaining and the Eagles rode a comfortable margin to the finish.

The Golden Eagles travel to UT Martin for a game Thursday night, beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday night, Tech is back home in Eblen Center for Senior Night when Jacksonville State visits for a 7 p.m. game.