Faried Leads Morehead State to Conference Road Win

Morehead State 74
UT-Martin 66

Final from Martin, Tennessee

Game recap by AllKYHoops.com

Morehead State (2-3, 1-0 OVC) held off a late surge from the homestanding Skyhawks to start the OVC season out with a tough road victory. The Eagles, who led by as many as 13 in the second half, were challenged late but held on for the 74-66 win.

Kenneth Faried illustrated why he was named preseason favorite to win OVC Player of the Year as he went for 19 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Eagles. After the game, Faried noted how focused the Eagles are heading into conference play.

"We are hungry again," Faried stated. "We picked up the road win against a really good UT-Martin team. They played a great game and Simmons has really improved."

I jokingly asked the Morehead State big man, who had been shooting 82% from the free throw line on the season, what happened late in the second half when he missed the rim on a free throw attempt.

"Uh, you know, I had just injured my hand on the play before," he said while laughing.

MSU point guard Brandon Shingles dished out 9 assists in the contest, one short of the career high he established in the Eagles' last game. Les Simmons and Demonte Harper each added 15 points for Morehead State.

Benzor Simmons led all scorers with 22 points for UT-Martin.

“Benzor Simmons might be the most improved player in our league,” Tyndall said. “They really spread the floor with their quick guards they have.”

The Eagles shot 45.8% from the field and held UT-Martin to only 32.8% shooting. Morehead State was seemingly solid in every facet of the game except for turnovers. The Skyhawks forced 17 Eagle turnovers which ultimately kept the game close.

“The one thing that concerns me is the 17 turnovers, but we defended so well that we were able to overcome that,” Tyndall said.

Morehead State travels to Murray State on Saturday for an early matchup of preseason OVC co-favorites.