NASSAU, Bahamas — The Morehead State men’s basketball team had five players reach double figures in scoring, posted a 52-30 rebounding advantage and forced 27 turnovers en route to a convincing 115-69 exhibition victory over the Grand Bahamas All-Stars on Saturday night at Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
The contest was Morehead State’s first on its three-game foreign tour. The Eagles continue their exhibition schedule against the Real Deal Shockers on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET and wrap up it against the Pyramid Food Rockets on Monday at 9 p.m. MSU is making its first foreign trip since a 2007 journey to Canada.
“I thought we did several really good things tonight,” Head Coach Sean Woods said. “Our young men had been banging on each other in practice and they were dying to play someone else. We finally have a team that fits my style of play. I thought we won this game with our quickness, athleticism and toughness.”
Senior Karam Mashour paced Morehead State with 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocked shots. He connected on 10-of-17 from the floor in 22 minutes. Mashour, who began his college career at UNLV, sat out the 2012-13 campaign as a Division I transfer and played just five minutes last season due to a back injury.
“Karam was really tenacious tonight and his performance was terrific to see,” Woods said. “He’s a hungry guy because he’s been waiting two years to play college basketball. Karam has a lot of ability and can help us moving forward. I hope he’s able to come up with this type of performance once the regular season begins.”
Senior Kareem Storey, who connected on 8-of-12 from the field, added 20 points, nine assists and four steals. Junior Brent Arrington chipped in with 18 points and five rebounds, while senior Angelo Warner recorded 14 points and six rebounds and freshman Marquel Willis registered 13 points in his MSU exhibition debut.
“Tonight was a total team effort,” Woods said. “We dressed 10 guys and everyone contributed. We went with a smaller line-up because we have several post players who are recovering from injuries. Our rebounding advantage was big and so was our ability to force turnovers. Those are two areas we need to consistently win.”
Morehead State knocked down 53 percent (48-of-90) overall, including 33 percent (7-of-21) from long range. The Eagles were credited with 25 assists and 18 steals, while limiting the Grand Bahamas All-Stars to seven helpers and six thefts. GBAS was also held to 33 percent (20-of-61) from the field.
MSU overcame 36 infractions and four players who fouled out. The Grand Bahamas All-Stars attempted 46 free throws, compared to just 20 for Morehead State. The Eagles managed a 68-32 advantage in paint points, 22-10 edge in second-chance points and 48-14 upper hand in bench points.
“Tomorrow is a quick turnaround, so we will have to get some rest and be ready,” Woods added. “This is certainly a business trip, but it’s also an opportunity for our student-athletes to enjoy themselves. They had some free time earlier today and will have more before we head back to Kentucky.”
Internet permitting, live audio of Sunday’s contest will be available via MSUEagles.com. Athletic Media Relations Director Matt Segal will call all the action, beginning with the pre-game show at 2:45 p.m. Live statistics and social media updates are also expected to be available.
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