Morehead State's men's basketball Eagles set season and career highs by the boat-load as MSU concluded November on a high note, defeating Ohio-Chillicothe on Education Day, 103-50 on Friday at Johnson Arena.
Johnson Arena welcomed an audience of more than 3,000 from elementary schools in surrounding counties. Staff, faculty, and students from Rowan, Bath, Carter, Elliott, and Fleming counties all joined in for one of the loudest crowds in recent memory.
Morehead State advanced to 3-5 on the season, while Ohio-Chillicothe fell back to 2-8.
"We got what we wanted out of today, and that's to get our guys as much experience as possible," said head coach Preston Spradlin. "We had a balanced box score, and the most anyone played was 21 minutes. So, today was important in that it gave our younger players an opportunity to showcase their abilities."
Junior guard Djimon Henson registered a team-best 23 points on the afternoon, tying a career high set on this date exactly one year ago. The Indianapolis native's efforts come on the strength of notching 8-of-13 (.615) shooting from the field, while knocking down 5-of-8 (.625) from behind the arc.
Including Henson, six Eagles reached the double-figure plateau on the afternoon. Senior guard A.J. Hicks and sophomore guard De'Von Cooper chipped in 13 points each on 6-of-9 (.667) and 5-of-7 (.714) shooting, respectively. Cooper's trio of treys led an effort from the hosts that saw them nail 13-of-26 (.500) from long range.
Also setting career highs today were guard Richard Feagin and swing-man Malik Riddle. Feagin, a sophomore guard from Detroit, Mich., set a new best with 11 points on a 3-of-6 (.500) clip. Whereas, Riddle, a sophomore from Holly Springs, Miss., joined the fray in double figures with 10 markers of his own on 4-of-8 shooting (.500).
Senior forward Lamontray Harris chimed in for 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting (.714) to round out the Eagles in double figures.
Morehead State raised the bar by setting numerous season highs. The Eagles set team season standards on field goal percentage (.582), points scored (103), assists (24), steals (11), and opponent field goal percentage (.315). MSU also tied season highs in turnovers forced (17) and total rebounds (48).
Setting the tone for the visiting Hilltoppers was Anthony Dixon, who poured in 21 points. The senior from Columbus, Ohio, also notched six rebounds and five assists.
Morehead State will take the week off from competition for finals week before getting back on the road. The Eagles take on non-conference rival Marshall on Monday, Dec. 10. Action will tip off in Huntington at 7:00 p.m. ET.
