Written By: JMF
The Morehead State Eagles were looking to start 3-0 in OVC play and win their 4th straight, and Jordan Lathon was determined to make sure that happened. Jordan Lathon would have himself a career game. Lathon would play 35 minutes and made the most of every minute. Lathon was a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line. Lathon finished 10 of 20 from the field for a career-high 31 points. Lathon finished with 6 rebounds and 5 steals also.
Kalil Thomas finished with 15 points. Riley Minix added 12 points. Drew Thelwell had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the win.
Tennessee State grabbed the early 2-0 lead on a Jason Jitoboh layup. Just 30 seconds later, Kalil Thomas drained a 3 to give the Eagles a 3-2 lead and started a 7-0 run to put the Eagles up 7-2 early.
Morehead built a 10-point lead (17-7) at the 13:19 mark on an Eddie Ricks layup. Then at the 10:26 mark, Kalil Thomas sank another three to put Morehead back in front by 10 (24-14).
The Eagles would build their biggest lead of the first half after Jordan Lathon connected from three, and then after a Tennessee State turnover, Jordan Lathon made a layup to put the Eagles up 40-26.
Tennessee State would not go away. After a three by Justin Williams, the Tigers clawed back to within 1 point (46-47). After going back and forth, the Eagles held onto a 59-58 lead with 6:29 remaining in the game.
The Eagles would close out the final six-and-a-half minutes by outscoring the Tigers 19-10 to take home the 78-68 victory.
The Eagles have now won 14 straight home games and have won seven straight games over Tennessee State. The Eagles defense was very impressive in the win, forcing 16 Tiger turnovers, that led to 19 points for the Eagles.
The Eagles return to the court on Thursday, Jan. 11th when they travel to play Eastern Illinois. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Morehead State University Athletics
