OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University used a second-half surge to deck Southeastern Oklahoma State 73-46 on Monday at Abe Lemons Arena.
Dee Proby, a senior from Round Rock, Texas, posted a team-high 15 points and four assists for OCU. The Stars improved to 2-0 in men's basketball.
Brandon Moton, a junior from Beaumont, Texas, totaled 13 points, three assists and four steals, while Johnny Stephene, a junior from Boynton Beach, Fla., chipped in 10 points and two assists for OCU.
Nate Flowers grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to go with three steals for the Stars.
OCU sank 58.6 percent of its shots from the field in the second half, improving upon a 23.3 percent shooting percentage in the first. OCU shot 40.7 percent, while Southeastern managed 34.7 percent on the game.
“It took us a while to get going,” OCU coach Kevin Morrissey said. “We settled for jump shots instead of working the ball inside. In the end, they persevered.”
“I'm really pleased with our bench,” Morrissey said. “We struggled with the defense trying to throw over the top of it. Ismai'l penetrated and found the gaps. Jarodiaus had a good performance off the bench. It was a balanced effort. We're pleased, but we know we have things to work on.”
OCU took charge during an 11-0 run late in the game. Shane Rogers sank free throws to spark OCU and build a 53-41 advantage with 6:25 remaining in the game. Proby chipped in a 3-point play in that stretch.
Stephene capped the run with a lay-in to put the Stars up 62-41 with 3:18 left. Southeastern went scoreless for 4:17, missing five shots from the floor and committing turnovers in that time.
OCU erased a 10-6 deficit with a 9-0 run early. Rogers' free throws started the Stars' rally, and Moton chipped in a 3-point play during that splurge. Rogers finished off the run with a layup to give OCU a 15-10 edge at the 8:12 mark of the first.
The Stars take on Avila (Mo.) at 7 p.m. Thursday at Abe Lemons Arena.
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