Conference play, often called the second season by head coaches, began for Morehead State men’s basketball at UT Martin. The Eagles tipped off the Ohio Valley Conference portion of their schedule Thursday night (after press time).
MSU leads the all-time series 24-13 and Eagle coach Donnie Tyndall is 6-1 versus the Skyhawks. This will be Jason James, the new UTM head coach’s first game against Morehead.
Morehead State (1-3) is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Kent State. The Eagles were up eight on visiting KSU, but a series of turnovers and missed shots down the stretch allowed the Golden Flashes to slip past MSU, 63-57. It marked the first time this season an opposing team has forced more turnovers by the Eagles. It was also the first time the deep Morehead State bench had been outscored in a game.
Junior Kenneth Faried’s 19.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game leads the Eagles. Faried is joined in double figure scoring by junior Demonte Harper at 11.3 points per game. Senior Brandon Shingles pumps out 6.3 assist per game.
UT Martin (1-3) has the same record as MSU and has played tough competition in Southern Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas State. The Skyhawks’ one win came over Harris-Stowe. UTM, who is playing without graduated OVC Player of the Year Lester Hudson, has two players that average double-figure scoring in Benzor Simmons (20.3) and Reuben Clayton (17.9).
MSU, who was voted as OVC preseason co-favorites (along with Murray State), has been eager to get into league play. It’s a short stint into the conference season however. After two games this weekend (including an early-season matchup with co-favorite Murray State), the Eagles return to non-conference play for a six-game December stretch before settling into the January portion of their league slate.
