Morgan State University Athletics

Boxscore

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Senior swingman Aric Brooks scored 18 points and hot-shooting Morgan State coasted to an 81-69 win over Liberty on Saturday.
 
The Bears, who came into the game shooting 41.4 percent from the field, made 55.1 percent (27 of 49) of their shots, including 8 of 13 from 3-point range.
 
DeWayne Jackson and Justin Black each added 15 points for the Bears (6-18), who snapped five-game losing streak. It was Morgan State's most points scored in regulation this season.

“I'm happy for these guys [our seniors] getting the win, especially on Justin's [Black] birthday,” said MSU head coach Todd Bozeman. “It's a good step in the right direction.”
  
Morgan State built its biggest lead of 22 points with 3:15 to play in the first half of the Bracket Busters game on the strength of 15-of-24 shooting during the first 20 minutes.
 
Jesse Sanders scored 21 points to lead four Liberty players in double figures. Antwan Burrus added 13 points, John Caleb Sanders had 12 and Tavares Speaks 10 for the Flames (12-17), who had a three-game winning streak end.

“It was a good win for the team in terms of us seniors,” Brooks said. "We needed this one. Now we just have to continue to carry this out and bring the same energy to the Coppin game and the remainder of the season.” 

MSU will face cross-town rival Coppin State on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Eagles held on to defeat MSU 88-86 in their first matchup at Hill Field House on February 4, 2012.

Bear Note
MSU had a pregame senior ceremony for four Bears who were playing in their final game at Hill Field House. The four senior were Larry Bastfield, Aric Brooks, Ameer Ali and Kevin Thompson.

Aric Brooks matched his career-high with 18 points.