(St. Louis, MO) – Morehead State’s historic season is continuing and the Eagles lead the College Basketball Invitational final, one game to none. Sean Woods’ (23-12) team has won four straight games and 11 of their last 12 after their 86-83 win over Nevada in the CBI final.
Lyonell Gaines has taken the Eagles to unknown heights. The 6-6 senior has accumulated three double-doubles during the four game CBI run. He had no double-doubles prior to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. He picked on one during Music City Madness, and now has four for the season.
Xavier Moon – msueagles.com
Junior Xavier Moon is the other player that has elevated his game in postseason play. The 6-2 guard has averaged near 10 points per game all season and is averaging just under 15 points during the CBI experience.
Over the past two years, Woods has put together a postseason record of 5 and 2 (all in the CBI). The Eagles have accumulated the most wins in the OVC this year with just one all-conference player. Junior guard Corban Collins is a second teamer.
Woods’ team succeeds with a combination of three point shooting and aggressive defense. The Eagles are second best in the OVC in long distance shooting percentage and lead the OVC in steals. While they give up plenty of points, but they force many turnovers, and thus create good offensive opportunities for their team.
The win over Nevada in the opening game of the CBI was a thrilling victory that included 15 ties and 12 lead changes. Game two in Nevada should be another great basketball game. The Wolfpack and Eagles provide interesting matchups.
Nevada’s Tyron Criswell scored 31 against the Eagles and 32 against Eastern Washington in the quarterfinals of the CBI. The 6-3 guard will post up the less physical MSU guards. Freshman Cameron Oliver and junior D. J. Fenner are post players that match up against Gaines and fellow senior Anthony Elechi. In game one, the Eagles dominated that head-to-head competition. The MSU combo collected 18 rebounds and scored 36 points while Fenner and Oliver combined for 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
The CBI finals are scheduled for Wednesday, and if necessary Friday night in Nevada.
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