The Morehead State men's basketball team established 30 career highs and led from start to finish in a 121-49 victory over Kentucky Christian on Saturday afternoon at Johnson Arena. The 72-point win was MSU's largest in the program's 86 seasons of existence.
The Eagles, who compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, improve to 4-4 overall and 2-0 at home. The Knights, who play in the Mid-South Conference, slip to 1-7 overall and 1-4 on the road. MSU moves to 7-0 all-time versus KCU and wins its 46th straight game against NAIA opponents.
Morehead State's point total was its largest since scoring 123 against Kentucky Christian during the 2005-06 campaign. The previous school record for margin of victory was 68 against Centre (Ky.) during the 1955-56 season.
Senior Angelo Warner led the Eagles with 20 points, on 9-of-10 from the field, in just 15 minutes. Junior Lyonell Gaines (19), senior Karam Mashour (14), freshman Miguel Dicent (14), junior Jared Ravenscraft (9) and junior Marcus Fuggins (5) all tallied career highs in scoring for MSU.
Morehead State drilled 64 percent (49-of-77) from the field, while limiting Kentucky Christian to 38 percent (19-of-50). The Eagles also knocked down 50 percent (10-of-20) from three-point range. MSU raced out to an 18-0 advantage with 15:11 to play before intermission and never trailed.
"I was impressed with the energy our starters showed, especially in the first five minutes," Head Coach Sean Woods said. "We established a big lead early in the game, and that gave us an opportunity to get everyone some playing time. I could not have scripted today's effort any better."
Seven Eagles notched personal bests in assists, while seven grabbed the distinction in steals.
Warner and junior Brent Arrington posted five helpers apiece, while Arrington collected seven takeaways in just 21 minutes and Warner recorded six. Gaines, Dicent and freshman Marquel Willis notched four assists each, while sophomore Corban Collins contributed four steals for MSU.
Morehead State rolled to advantages of 49-20 in rebounds, 33-16 in assists and 26-7 in steals. The Eagles turned 36 turnovers into 67 points, while the Knights scored just 16 points off 17 miscues. MSU also registered a 72-20 upper hand in paint points and 49-8 cushion in fast-break points.
"I was pleased with how we played in a lot of different areas," Woods said. "Our pressure got to Kentucky Christian early because we were active on both ends of the floor. I was glad our young men didn't take this game lightly. We had 50 deflections on defense, which is a great number."
MSU junior Anthony Elechi posted his first Division I double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Morehead State held a 50-19 halftime lead and increased the advantage to a game-high 77 with 3:14 remaining. The Eagles, who had multiple 6-0, 8-0 and 10-0 surges, manufactured a 34-6 run down the stretch to pull away.
Senior Tyler Farley tallied team bests of 13 points and five assists for Kentucky Christian.
Morehead State returns to action on Monday when it hosts Southern Conference opponent East Tennessee State. Tip-off from Johnson Arena is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 606-783-2386.
"We need to keep this momentum going and protect our home court," Woods added. "East Tennessee State likes to play up-tempo, like we do, so it will be important that our defense is there on the catch and we limit them to one shot."
