ORU Soars Past Western Illinois

Oral Roberts hit seven of eight free throws inside the final minute of the game and held on for a 66-57 victory at Western Illinois Saturday night at Western Hall. The win moves ORU to 8-8 on the season with a 2-1 mark in the Summit League. Western Illinois fell to 7-8 overall and 2-2 in the league.

Obi Emegano, who started his career as a Leatherneck, made the most of his return, scoring 28 points, including a 14-16 mark from the free throw line. Emegano also had an assist and a pair of steals. Adrion Webber came off the bench to score 11 points and grab eight rebounds.

WIU was led by Garret Covington, who scored 18 points and had six rebounds, adding four assists to the night.

Quote of the Game

“I thought we had some guys step up, Adrion Webber was terrific in the second half. He made big play after big play, stepped up and made free throws. I think this is my 14th trip to Macomb and it's always a grind so I'm just always happy to get out of here with a win. I think it's a tough place to play. Our guys showed some toughness and maturity in the win. “ – Coach Scott Sutton

Turning Point

Up five with less than 0:30 to play, Adrion Webber grabbed a defensive rebound and drew the foul. Webber hit both free throws to make it a three possession game.

Individual Leaders

Oral Roberts: Obi Emegano scored 28 points, including a 14-16 mark from the free throw line. Korey Billbury led the way with 10 rebounds, while Adrion Webber finished second in both categories with 11 points and eight boards.

Western Illinois: Garret Covington scored 18 points, while Tate Stensgaard added 11 and a team-high eight rebounds. Jamie Batish chipped in 14 points for the Leathernecks.

Inside the Box Score

- ORU held a 39-35 edge in rebounding, including a 23-17 advantage in the second half.

- ORU Dominated the paint, out-scoring the Leathernecks 22-14.

- The Golden Eagles earned the road victory, despite shooting just 34 percent (17-50) from the field.

- The 36 free throw attempts by ORU are tied for the fourth most in a game this season. ORU has won all four games (Tulsa, New Mexico State, Detroit, Western Illinois).

News & Notes

- Obi Emegano scored at least 20 points for the eighth time this season and the 10th time in his ORU career.

- In 34 meetings against Western Illinois, ORU has never lost two in a row.

- After struggling on the road to start the season, ORU has now won two of its last three games on the road.

- ORU got the victory despite having three starters foul out, all three by the 4:30 mark in the second half.

Up Next

ORU returns home for a pair of games next week, hosting Omaha Wednesday, January 14 and then IPFW Saturday January 17. Both games will tip off from the Mabee Center at 7 p.m.