Eagles basketball tip-off season with homecoming win

The Oklahoma Christian University men’s basketball team tipped off the season with a 62-49 win over Dallas Christian College on Saturday.

Basketball Head Coach Dan Hays expected a talented Dallas Christian College team to give the young Eagles a challenge.

“They’re much better than they’ve been,” Hays said before the game. “They’ve got two good post players, and they’ve already played four games. So, they’re a team that will be more talented, but you never know in a first game and homecoming game. We’re hoping we play within ourselves and do the things we’ve been working on for a short period of time.”

Hays said to find success Saturday, the team would need to focus on play closest to the rim.

“I think Saturday or any day we’re going to have to play inside out,” Hays said. “Our most experience lies inside in the post area. That’s with John Moon, Eric Randall and Josh Faurot.”

The Eagles made it a point to play inside out, running plays to get the ball in the hands of forward Randall and center Moon. The two players combined for nearly half of the Eagles’ points.

Randall scored 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting and brought down nine rebounds. Randall was granted a 6th year by the NCAA after sidelined with a knee injury. Saturday was his first regular season game since the 2012-2013 season.

“It feels incredible to be able to be back on the court with my teammates this year,” Randall said. “I am very grateful for another opportunity, not many people are given that. There are no better feelings than being able to go out and give God glory through the talents he has blessed you with.”

Moon added 13 points and eight rebounds. Forward Jordan Rutherford had a career-high game in points, rebounds and assists. Rutherford scored 14 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists. Guard Elijah Strickland also contributed 13 points.

The Eagles built up a 15-5 lead early in the game, but showed their youth for a stretch in the first half, allowing Dallas Christian to go on a 21-2 run. The Crusaders had their largest lead of the game with just above six minutes left in the half. The Eagles responded with a 14-2 run, and led the game 31-28 at the half.

Coming out of the half, Dallas Christian went on an 8-2 run to temporarily take the lead, but the Eagles came back with an 11-0 answer taking a 44-37 lead. The Crusaders never caught back up. Point guard Zach Norris said he was pleased with the Eagles’ resilience.

“We let [Dallas Christian] go on a run midway through the first half, but we did a good job coming back from it and regaining the lead at half,” Norris said. “We came out second half and played really well. We started zoning them and it made it really hard for them to score. We did a good job of finishing the game and taking care of the ball in the end. We missed quite a few shots, but we will get those to fall.”

Oklahoma Christian shot 38.1 percent from the field, and only managed 20 percent from the three-point line. Randall said he believes the shooting will improve as the season progresses.

“We did not shoot the ball great, but that will get better as the games go along,” Randall said. “Everyone is a little more excited and a little nervous for the first game. Once guys settle in our shooting percentages will go up.”

Dallas Christian struggled offensively, shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 15 percent from behind the arch. Godspower Igben led the Crusaders with 14 points and nine rebounds. Trent Dawson added 12 points.

The Eagles will see action Tuesday when they visit crosstown rival University of Central Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m.

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