Morrison's Perfect Night at the Line Leads Eagles

Wilmore, Ky. - The Eagles had to come from behind in the second half to beat Cincinnati Christian in a thriller in the Luce Center on Tuesday night 101-100.  Asbury went into the break down by five, and quickly fell behind by 13 only to slowly rally and hold on at the end.

Phillip Morrison shoots a jumper over a Cincinnati Christian defender. Morrison finished with a game-high 34 points, including a perfect 19-19 from the free throw line.

CCU's Dartanian Thomas had two free throws with five seconds and his team down by two, but couldn't find the mark on either.  He would again have a chance to redeem himself but could only make the first of two with .8 seconds left.  The rebound was tapped in the air and Asbury snapped a five game losing streak and got their first KIAC victory of the season.

Asbury (9-8, 1-0 KIAC) was led by Phillip Morrison's (Louisville, Ky.)  fourth 30 point game of the season, as the junior went for 34.  Morrison connected on all 19 of his free throw attempts including 13 in the second half.  He was only seven-of-17 from the floor and hit only one-of-three from long range.  Morrison also led the team with five assists.

Four other Eagles were in double figures including Jamal Morris with 14, Brian Johnson with 13, Justin Jones with 11, and Brock Hurtle off the bench with 14.  Hurtle was a big part in the second half comeback, knocking down all four of his three's after intermission and three in the final six minutes.  Johnson also led the team with eight rebounds, Jones added seven.

There were seven ties and seven lead changes in a very physical game that saw 51 fouls called and 62 free throw attempts, each team attempted 31.  CCU shot 45% from three-point range hitting 13-of-29 while Asbury was also at 45% hitting on nine-of-20.  Each team worked the offensive glass as Asbury pulled down 18 offensive rebounds and CCU 22.

CCU was led by Dartanian Thomas' 26 points as three others joined him in double figures, Darriel Huter scored 20, Josh Reid added 16, and Joe Mendenhall added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Asbury will hit the road on Thursday as they travel to Richmond, Indiana to battle the Red Wolves of Indiana-East.  Game time is set for 7:00 pm eastern.