SIUE Men's Basketball Defeats OVC Leader Morehead State

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – On a night where both teams could not achieve any cohesive offense in the first half, SIUE’s determination and grit led them to victory, behind a monstrous home crowd of over 1,800 dedicated fans. The Cougars defeated Morehead State by a score of 65-54 in the Vadalabene Center, fighting back from a small deficit in the first half.

With the win, SIUE advances to 14-7 overall, and 7-3 in conference play, one game behind OVC leader Morehead State, who falls to 13-8 overall and 8-2 in the conference, stopping their five-game win streak that began on January 9.

Although he didn’t have a great shooting night, Ray’Sean Taylor managed to put up a 22-point game, his fifth consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. Taylor was very efficient at the free-throw line, knocking down 12 of his 13 attempts. Ring Malith added 14 of his own (4-6 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-6 FT), also contributing 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Brian Taylor scored 12 points, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

For Morehead State, two players managed to crack double figures. George Marshall produced 18 points and 2 rebounds, while Tyler Brelsford scored 18 points along with 8 rebounds.

Morehead State struck first with a layup by Anouar Mellouk, but SIUE controlled the lead for most of the first half, stretching it to as much as nine points with 9:53 remaining. The Cougars capitalized on Morehead State’s foul trouble, entering the bonus with 8:30 left in the half. However, SIUE struggled from beyond the arc, missing all nine of their three-point attempts, which allowed Morehead State to stay within striking distance. Tyler Brelsford’s free throw with 3:56 left gave Morehead State a 26-25 lead. Despite SIUE earning multiple trips to the free-throw line late in the half, Kenny White Jr.’s jumper secured a 33-30 halftime lead for Morehead State.

The second half started out slow for both teams, but Morehead State would stretch their lead to as large as 7 after a successful and-one play by George Marshall with 13:42 remaining. SIUE’s first points in the half would come from Ring Malith, who buried the Cougars’ first 3-pointer of the entire game with 10:47 left. SIUE would tie Morehead State at 40 points after Brian Taylor knocked down a jump shot. SIUE would finally take the lead back after Ring Malith knocked down a pair of free throws with 6:47 remaining, and would never look back.

SIUE would score 6 unanswered points, getting the crowd involved as Ray’Sean Taylor would make his first three-pointer to put them up 47-41 at the 5:15 mark. Brian Taylor, who would score 9 in the half, would push the lead to 13 for the Cougars after successful free throws with 2:23 left.

SIUE would send the home crowd home victorious by a score of 65-54, holding off a team to under 60 points for the fourth time in conference play.

The SIUE Cougars’ next game will be on the road against Lindenwood (9-12, 4-6 OVC) on Thursday, January 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, MO.
Morehead State will go up against USI (9-11, 4-6 OVC) Tuesday, January 28.

To view Luke Welsh's photos from the event, head to his gallery. You can also view the article on Collinsville Daily News.