MARTIN, Tenn. (AP)—Kenneth Faried scored 24 points and grabbed 18 rebounds as Morehead State rallied in the second half for a 77-64 victory over Tennesee-Martin on Saturday night.
The win clinches the second seed in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament for the Eagles (22-9, 13-5), who get a first-round bye as a result.
With his 82nd career double-double, Faried—college basketball’s top rebounder this season—has 1,607 career rebounds, moving into 13th place on the NCAA career list, ahead of former Houston star Elvin Hayes.
Down 33-31 at halftime, the Eagles struggled for breathing room until a 17-6 run put them ahead 65-50, with Faried scoring on a layup at the end of the spurt with 5:05 to play.
The Skyhawks (11-20, 6-12), who were led by Benzor Simmons’ 18 points, got no closer than eight after that.
Terrance Hill had 15 points for Morehead State and Sam Goodman added 12.
