VERMILLION, S.D.--Senior Maze Stallworth hit a three-pointer with 1:45 to play and sunk a late free throw to pull Morehead State past South Dakota 66-64 Monday night at the DakotaDome.
"I told someone before the game if we could get a one-pointer and get out of here with a win I'd take it," MSU coach Donnie Tyndall said. "They are a solid, well-coached team and this is a tough environment to play in."
The Eagles (6-6) trailed for most of the game, leading only briefly in the each half until Stallworth's triple fell following a key steal by senior Brandon Shingles just past mid court. South Dakota's Roman Gentry took then ensuing possession to the hoop, but sophomore Steve Peterson blocked his lay-up attempt and Shingles grabbed the rebound.
Tyler Cain, who had 17 points to lead South Dakota, had two free throws to tie it with three seconds left, but missed the first and made the second. Stallworth then swished a single free throw at the other end to make it a two-point game. Jake Thomas narrowly missed a desperation 3-pointer from 35 feet that would have won it for the Coyotes.
MSU junior Kenneth Faried, who tallied his seventh double-double of the year with 15 points and 15 rebounds, became the 29th player in MSU history to score 1,000 career points with his first field goal of the night.
The Coyotes shot 59.3 percent in the first half from the field, but just 28 percent in the second half. MSU also held USD to 16.7 percent from beyond the arc, including 1-of-10 in the second half.
"We were sluggish in the first half," Tyndall said. "We didn't guard well, but we turned it around in the second half and did a nice job holding them to just three 3-pointers in the game."
Stallworth had 21 points and a career-high five steals, four of which came in the first half. Shingles finished with seven assists. Peterson had 12 points and seven rebounds and junior Demonte Harper scored 10 points.
The Eagles were whistled for 23 fouls, with Stallworth, Peterson and Harper each racking up four fouls and Faried fouling out with six minutes to play.
"I thought Maze had a great second half and I really thought Les Simmons got some big rebounds in Kenneth's absence," Tyndall said.
Thomas, Gentry and Kendall Cutler each finished with 10 points. Cain also had 15 rebounds.
The Eagles resume Ohio Valley Conference play Saturday at 9 p.m. for an ESPNU doubleheader with the women's team. Both teams will face Austin Peay and Morehead State fans are encouraged to wear black to the game to "Black Out" Johnson Arena. Fans wearing black will receive $1 general admission (all seating will be general admission). There will also be $1 hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products.
Rowan County Sports
Stallworth’s late three, free throw lift Eagles over South Dakota
- Rowan County Sports
-
-
Vikings and Lady Vikings win big in 61st District opening round
Both the Rowan County baseball and softball squads moved forward in the postseason Monday night.
-
Chapman’s big hit equals big Viking win
Even with district tournaments upon us, the Rowan County Vikings did not forget to finish the regular season.
-
Rowan boys track & field fight hard in state meet
After winning the 6th Region title, the Rowan County boys track & field team took its show on the road to Louisville to compete in the Class 2A State meet.
-
Rowan softball suffers home finale defeat to Russell
Despite a solid defensive effort, the Lady Vikings could not overcome an even stronger pitching game from the Russell Lady Devils.
-
Free Fishing Derby for kids in Rowan
The first weekend in June is a great time to enjoy free fishing and boating on national forest land.
-
Cave Run Muskies 12U wins with double dose of walk off homers
This past Sunday the Cave Run Muskies defeated the West Virginia Wildcats at Cave Run Muskies Park, winning by way of a walk off homerun in a true nail biter, 8-6.
-
Vikings finish sweep of Fairview
Knowing your competition can go a long way when you’re trying to pull out a win. The Rowan County Vikings knew theirs quite well, pulling off its second victory over Fairview in four days on Wednesday night, 1-0. Three up, three down was the story for the visitor’s offense, as Rowan’s boys laid down the shutout.
-
RCMS baseball finish season strong
Building for the future is how you develop consistency within a program. The Rowan County Middle School baseball team did just this, capping off the regular season with a big win over Mason County at home this past Saturday, 3-2.
-
In the Post: How high can the Eagles fly?
It's been many years since Sean Woods’ unforgettable days playing under now legendary coach Rick Pitino at the University of Kentucky. Prior to Donnie Tyndall's stint at MSU, it had also been many years since the Morehead men's program had made it to the big dance. In six seasons Tyndall changed not only the outlook of a program, but fulfilled the hopes and dreams of a community that had long desired to see the Eagles soar.
-
Former UK star set to host local hoops camp
A free regional basketball camp conducted by former University of Kentucky all-star Jeff Sheppard will be offered by Operation UNITE this summer. All school-age youth are invited to participate in the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs program Tuesday, June 5 in Rowan County at the old middle school gym, 415 West Sun Street.
- More Rowan County Sports Headlines
-
Vikings and Lady Vikings win big in 61st District opening round
