Morrison Has Career Night vs. Central Arkansas

Sunday, November 20

West Point

2:30 p.m.

Army West Point

1-3

Central Arkansas

1-3

UCA

ARMY

Morrison Has Career Night vs. Central Arkansas

November 20, 2016 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Army West Point men's basketball team dropped another close decision here Sunday afternoon in the final contest of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational regional games.

The Black Knights outscored Central Arkansas in the second period but it wasn't enough to overcome a seven-point halftime deficit, eventually falling 81-76.

Three reached double digits for Army with Luke Morrison's career-high 19 points leading the way. The junior matched his career best effort from behind the arc, hitting 5-of-8 from downtown. He also recorded three assists, which was a career high as well.

Matt Wilson and John Emezie were the other two Cadets to reach twin figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Wilson also led the Black Knights on the boards with seven rebounds, while Mac Hoffman and Morrison chipped in six each.

Sophomore Jordan Fox handed out a career-best seven assists, with rookie Tommy Funk followed closely with five.

Central Arkansas had its largest lead of the game (17 points) twice throughout the opening period with its most recent coming at the 9:26 mark when the score was 28-11. Army slowly started to chip away at the deficit ultimately making it a 44-37 ballgame at the break.

The Bears extended their edge to 68-54 with eight minutes remaining in the game but again the Black Knights sparked a small rally. The home team used a 17-4 run over the next four minutes to pull within 72-71. Army drained four 3-pointers during that stretch.

Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Black Knights would come as Central Arkansas held on down the stretch to secure the five-point victory.

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

The Black Knights dropped their second game in as many days by five or fewer points.
Army outscored Central Arkansas in the second half, marking the third time this season the Black Knights have outscored their opponents in the second 20 minutes of action.
Central Arkansas finished shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 50 percent from long range, while Army finished 41.1 and 33.3 percent, respectively.
The Bears also slightly outrebounded the Black Knights at 41-36.
A key difference in the game was free throws as Central Arkansas hit 18-of-22 for 81.8 percent, while the Black Knights finished just 4-of-10 for 40 percent.
Wilson's career-high 13 points marked the second time this season the first-year recorded double figures. He went 6-of-9 from the floor.
Emezie matched his career best shooting night with 11 points in the game.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bears quickly jumped out to a 22-5 lead 12:17 into the contest.
The visitors maintained that advantage for the next three minutes holding on to a 28-11 edge with 9:26 left to play in the half.
Army would not go away though as the Black Knights slowly started to cut into the lead, pulling to within 44-37 at the break.
12 minutes into the second half, the Bears remained in front 68-54, but a 3-pointer from Emezie sparked a 17-4 run for the home team. That rally made it a 72-71 ballgame with 4:11 left in the contest. Morrison hit two of his five treys during that stretch.
Unfortunately strong defense down the stretch from Central Arkansas and two clutch free throws ultimately sealed the visitors the victory.

UP NEXT

Army heads back on the road for its next two contests at Columbia and Fairfield. The Black Knights meet up with the Lions on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before traveling to face the Stags on Saturday at 2 p.m.