Morgan State University Athletics

Aaron Andrews scored a team-high 19 points to lead the way as Morgan State battled their way to a 76-75 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson in its home-opener at Hill Field House on Tuesday night.

The Bears got off to a slow start as the Knights galloped off to a lead behind the sharp-shooting of Gordon Klaiber and Brandon Edwards.  With 11:40 remaining in the half the Bears found themselves down 20-6.

Momentum began to change in favor of the Bears shortly after head coach Butch Beard called a timeout and pulled his starting five off the floor. Morgan’s intensity level picked up as Beard came out of the timeout with his “bench mob.”

The "bench mob" consisted of newcomers Theodore Terrell, Christopher Grant, Karanvir Aujla, Joseph McLean and Timothy Berkley.

The Bears would go on a 23-14 run over the next 6 minutes, as the Knights’ lead dwindled to 34-31.  Karanvir Aujla scored 7 of his 10 points during the run and finished the game a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor. 

FDU (0-2) kept Morgan at a distance to close out the half as the Knights went on a 16-4 run of their own and left the court with a 49-35 lead at the break. 

In the second half, the complexion of the game once again shifted to Morgan State.  Ron Timus and Cedrick Barrow combined for 23 points as the Bears went on a 27-12 run to take the lead, 62-61, with 8 minutes remaining in the contest.  It was Morgan’s first lead of the game.

Down the stretch, following an offensive foul by Barrow, FDU’s Marcus Whitaker swung the ball over to Brandon Edwards who knocked down a three-pointer to give the Knights a 75-74 lead with 15 seconds on the clock.  Chris Grant proceeded to take the inbounds and drove the length of the floor before being fouled in the lane on a shot attempt.  The JUCO transfer toed the line and calmly sank both free throws giving Morgan the 76-75 lead and the win. 

The Knights had one last shot to win the game, but Whitaker’s layup attempt rimmed out and Morgan State defeated the Knights for the first time since 1979.

Morgan had five players score in double-figures.  Ronald Timus scored 14, Chris Grant had 14 points and 7 boards, while Cedrick Barrow chipped in 12. 

Both teams had solid shooting nights as the Bears shot 55 percent (30-54) from the floor, while FDU shot 45 percent (27-60). 

Fairleigh Dickinson was led by Brandon Edward who scored a game-high 22 points and Gordon Klaiber added 11 rebounds with 15 points. Whitaker dished out 10 assists and finished with 8 points.

Morgan State’s next game is December 1^st at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.  Their  next home game is December 4^th against Team Champion in an exhibition game.