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Print This StoryOral Roberts (2-9) Vs. Murray State (5-4)
GAME NOTES: The Murray State Racers will try to return to the win column when they take on the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles in the second round of the San Juan Shootout at the Mario Morales Coliseum. The Golden Eagles opened the tournament with a 59-46 setback to Wright State. It was the fourth straight loss for Oral Roberts, and the team's ninth overall. After the Shootout, the Golden Eagles will remain on the road to face USC, but will return to the Mabee Center for a three-game homestand after that. The Racers also lost in the first round of the Shootout, as the team fell to South Florida, 73-64. It was the third straight loss for Murray State, which opened the season with five wins in its first six matchups. After this tournament, the Racers will remain on the road to take on the Niagara Purple Eagles in Chattanooga as part of the Dr. Pepper Classic. With respect to the all-time series between the two schools on the hardwood, the Golden Eagles have won five of the seven matchups.
The Golden Eagles have been inconsistent at the offensive end of the floor this season, as the team is netting 69.7 ppg, while shooting a pedestrian 42.8 percent from the floor. Robert Jarvis is only shooting 36.8 percent from the field on the year, but the guard is still posting 17.9 ppg. Dominique Morrison is next in line with 11.3 ppg, while Marcus Lewis is posting 10.5 ppg, to go along with 5.9 rpg. In first round action against Wright State the Golden Eagles put forth an embarrassing display, shooting just 26.3 percent en route to a 46-point showing. ORU made just 4-of-21 attempts from long range and also committed 21 turnovers. Morrison led the way in the loss with 14 points, while Kevin Ford posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kyron Stokes added 10 points as well in the loss, and also collected eight caroms.
The Racers have relied on tenacious defensive play this year, as the team is limiting the opposition to just 62.9 ppg. However, in the first round of the Shootout, Murray State was stunned by South Florida, as the Bulls scored 73 points in the win over the Racers. Offensively, Murray State shot a lackluster 38.8 percent from the floor, and made just 2-of-13 attempts from long range. Danero Thomas led the way with 16 points in the loss, while Tyler Holloway posted 11 points off the bench. Thomas has been the main source of production all year for the Racers, as the forward is posting 11.2 ppg, while also grabbing 4.2 rpg. Ivan Aska has also helped in the paint, netting 10.4 ppg to go along with 5.9 rpg. Rounding out the double-figure performers is Isacc Miles, who is registering 10.3 ppg, despite shooting a mediocre 40.3 percent from the floor. As a whole, Murray State enters this matchup averaging 69.2 ppg.
Surprisingly the Racers did not put forth their best defensive effort in their last contest, but do not expect a repeat in this matchup. Murray State should have no trouble limiting a weak Oral Roberts squad.
Predicted OutcomeMurray State 69, Oral Roberts 59Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
