Coppin State 91, UMBC 71
Coppin State posted its highest point total against a Division I opponent in nearly two calendar years, overwhelming Maryland-Baltimore County by a 91-71 margin Wednesday night at the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore.
Forward Michael Murray, the reigning MEAC Player of the Week, poured in 21 points to lead the Eagles. All five Coppin State starters scored in double digits, and they combined for 83 points. The Eagles (4-4) topped 90 against a D-I foe for the first time since Jan. 23, 2012, when they dropped a 93-92 decision in overtime to North Carolina A&T.
Point guard Taariq Cephas had 18 points and seven assists for Coppin State, which got 17 points from shooting guard Sterling Smith, 15 from small forward Arnold Fripp and 12 from forward Brandon St. Louis.
Freshman guard Rodney Elliott paced the Retrievers, compiling 16 points, six assists and four rebounds while battling foul trouble. Two guards, Quentin Jones and Aaron Morgan, added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Morgan's total included a personal-best three 3-pointers, contributing to the 10 shots beyond the arc made by the Retrievers. It wasn't enough to prevent UMBC (3-8) from losing its third straight.
There were some huge runs in the game, especially in the second half. UMBC whittled a 15-point deficit down to 49-42 before the Eagles responded with a 14-2 run to regain control. UMBC rallied, scoring 10 unanswered points before the Eagles went on a 16-6 outburst to widen the gap to 20-plus points.
Coppin State scored 22 points off turnovers and hit 28 of 35 free throws. Cephas went 10-for-10 at the line.
UMBC sank 15 of 23 foul shots.
