ORU Holds Off Northeastern State 65-59

Oral Roberts wrapped up the preseason with a 65-59 victory over Northeastern State Sunday afternoon.

ORU posted a strong performance in the second half thanks in part to Steven Roundtree who had nine points and 11 rebounds in the second half alone, leading the way with 17 points and 12 rebounds in the game.

Michael Craion recorded his second double-double in as many games with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

"When you play a team like this that is going to take care of the basketball, and screen, and work the shot clock, you have to be disciplined, you can't break down," said Coach Scott Sutton. "I told these guys for two days that they are going to put you on defense for 25-30 seconds and they did that. When we didn't jump on them and put them away, you could see it in their eyes and they got some confidence and knocked down some baskets."

ORU finished the game 21-47 from the field, despite going 1-7 from three-point range in the second half and 4-17 for the game.

Overall, the Golden Eagles out-rebounded NSU 36-20, and held the Riverhawks to just two offensive rebounds in the game. Dominique Morrison tallied 12 points while Warren Niles added 11 points.

Justin Johnson paced the Riverhawks with 15 points, including a 4-4 mark from three point range. Landon DeMasters had 14 points and Kevin Arnold added 11 points.

ORU senior Ken Holdman sustained an injury to his right knee during the game. He left the game and did not return, but we are told he will undergo an MRI as a precautionary measure but is expected to be just fine.

The victory closes out the preseason for ORU, and the Golden Eagles will begin the regular season on Friday, Nov. 11 on the road against West Virginia at 8 p.m.