Morehead State: Heads Held High

Season-ending Loss to Illinois

(Omaha, NE) – Morehead State’s players and coaches left CHI Health Center Arena with their heads held high, despite losing their NCAA Tournament opening round game. Their historic season comes to an 85-69 loss to Illinois.

After setting a school record with 26 wins, the Eagles hung with the Big Ten Tournament champions scoring the game’s first nine points and after leading most of the first half, went to the intermission down by one point (39-38).

With 16:44 left the Eagles led 45-43, but a 15-3 run covering roughly five minutes sealed toe Ohio Valley Conference champion’s fate.

Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Riley Minix led all scorers with 27 points and all-OVC guard Jordan Lathon finished with 23.

Illinois’ combination of speed and size were in evidence as Terrence Shannon scored 19 first half points and 6’9, 255 pound Dain Dainja exploded for 17 in the second stanza.

Morehead coach Preston Spradlin says his team played well, but still lost to an outstanding team.

“We look at that and say we made a very good Illinois team play a totally different way than they played over the last 20-something games to beat us,” said Spradlin. “They’re big, they’re strong and they’re athletic, and a guy like Dain Dainja is very good.”

Players Heads Held High

When Spradlin pulled most of his starters, the emotion on the bench was tangible. Guard Kalil Thomas says the emotion wasn’t about the loss of a game, but the end of something special that they shared together.

“It’s been a dream,” said Thomas. “It’s just been so fun coming to practice everyday, being around these guys every day, the bus trips, meals, just everything. So there was a lot of emotion just off the strength, not because we lost but because we weren’t going to get another day with each other.”

Drew Thelwell echoed those thoughts.

“I look at these guys like they’re my older brothers,” said Thelwell. “Not being able to do one more close out drill or whatever. I think that’s what hit the most.”

Lathon added his respect for the faith and faithfulness of his coach.

“I always wanted to play in March Madness and play for a winning head coach,” said Lathon. “Playing for coach P has been nothing short of special. I wanted to play for a God-fearing coach and he’ helped me tremendously in my faith and growing in spirit. He told me when he was recruiting me, God will not protect you from what he’s using to perfect you.”

What’s Next? 

Morehead finishes the season with a program record 26 wins.  The Eagles have won at least 20 games for four straight seasons and accumulated two regular season titles and two OVC Tournament crowns.

Spradlin has plenty of holes to fill on next year’s roster. Minix, Jordan Lathon, Kalil Thomas, Dieonte Miles and Zach Iyeyemi finish their ‘graduate seasons’. Questions must be answered about former OVC Player of the Year Mark Freeman’s eligibility and about Drew Thelwell’s.

Spradlin isn’t concerned about next season. He wants to send his graduates off in style before he worries about the next flock of Eagles.

The coach’s head is held high too.

Do Good