MOREHEAD, Ky. –– Sophomore forward Julius Dixon registered a team and career-high 11 points and freshman forward Johni Broomeequaled Dixon in the point column in his first collegiate game but the Morehead State men’s basketball team fell 81-45 at No. 10 Kentucky at Rupp Arena in the Bluegrass Showcase Wednesday night.
Dixon hit a pair of three-pointers and Broome went 5-of-6 from the floor along with a team-best five rebounds. The Eagles are still searching for the program’s first-ever win over their in-state foe, now 0-11.
Senior forward James Baker contributed 10 points. The Eagles were limited to only 34 percent (17-of-50) shooting on the night.
KEY MOMENTS
– After Baker’s free throws tied the game early on at 2-2, Kentucky used a 13-2 run to distance itself and led 15-4 with 12:53 left in the opening half.
– KJ Hunt, Jr., hit a running shot to make it 21-11 UK with 8:08 remaining in the first period, but another UK flurry (7-0) thwarted any rally attempt by MSU.
– Kentucky led 45-26 at the half.
– The Eagles saw the hosts lead by as much as 39 in the second half.
– Sophomore guard Jacob Rice saw two minutes of action off the bench, becoming the first Johnson Central (Ky.) High School alum to appear in a Division I game since 1991-92.
KEY STATS
– MSU was 3-for-21 from three-point range and was hampered by 20 turnovers after ranking second in the OVC in fewest turnovers last season.
– Sophomore guard Ta’lon Cooper led the Eagles with four assists.
UP NEXT
Morehead State faces Richmond at 6 p.m. ET Friday night at Rupp Arena to wrap up its two games in the Bluegrass Showcase. Tickets are available by clicking here.