Score: Morgan State 124 | Cheney 57
Location: Hill Field House, Baltimore, Md.
Records: Morgan State 5-6 | Cheney 2-8
The short story: Senior forward Will Thomas poured in a career-high 32 points to help Morgan defeat Cheney University of Pennsylvania 124-57 on Wednesday night at Hill Field House.
OPENING TIP
- Thomas, a Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, shot an efficient 12-for-15 from the floor, including a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point territory and 4-for-4 from the stripe.
- Junior guard Rob Lawson matched a career-high with 18 points (4-5 3FG) off the bench with six assists in 21 minutes.
- Daniel Akitoby recorded a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Marland Harris added 10 points (3-3 FG) with four rebounds and two blocks.
- Joshua Blackmon (Clinton, Md.) led the Wolves with 13 points (5-10 FG) and D'Angelo Lake added 11 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes.
THE DIFFERENCE
- Morgan connected on 64 percent (45-71) from the field and 55 percent (11-20) from behind the arc while the Wolves shot 33 percent from the field and connected on 5-of-12 (.417) 3-pointers.
- Morgan shot 23-for-28 (82%) from the free throw line, compared to Cheney's 59 percent (16-27).
- The Bears outscored the Cheney in the paint by a staggering 64-22 margin.
- Morgan held a 52-20 advantage on the glass, and outscored the Wolves 41-11 in fastbreak points.
- Morgan's bench poured in 57 points, compared to Cheney's 22.
- Morgan scored 29 points off of forcing 21 Cheyney turnovers.
- A layup by Isaiah Alston tied the game at 7-7 during the early going, however, a fastbreak layup by Amahrie Simpkins sparked a 20-4 run. A steal and layup by Demajion Topps gave the Bears a 27-11 lead with under 12 minutes remaining.
- Thomas showcased his skills in the closing minutes of the first half, scoring 11 points that fueled a stunning 16-4 run for his team. His highlight-reel moment came with a thunderous baseline dunk that electrified the crowd. Thomas also hit a turnaround jumper on the baseline at the buzzer to give the Bears a 61-32 advantage at the break.
- The Bears continued to press the gas in the second half. A 3-pointer by Robb Lawson gave the Bears a 50-point lead (90-40) with 13 minutes remaining. Morgan's largest lead of the game was 68 (124-56).
NOTABLE
- The win by Morgan improves the series record against Cheney to 2-0.
- Morgan extended its win streak to 2-games.
- The 124 points was the most scored by the Bears since posting a 123-70 win against Central Pennsylvania College at Hill Field House on December 1, 2024.
UP NEXT
The Bears return action on Saturday, December 7th for a 2 p.m. tip at Bowling Green.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
