Dempsey erupts for 45 points in loss vs. Mount Union

The Muskingum men's basketball team suffered a loss to OAC foe Mount Union on Wednesday night, 105-86.

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (7-7, 2-5), Mount Union (11-3, 6-1)
• Location: Anne C. Steele Center - New Concord
• Attendance: 600

Notables

• Junior Marcus Dempsey erupted for a season-best 45 points to move up his Muskingum career point total to 1,790 points. He sits in second place all-time behind Andy Moore (1988-92) who scored 1,871 career points.

Inside The Numbers

• Dempsey led the Muskies scoring a season-high 45 points shooting 17-of-25 (.680) from the floor and 7-of-9 (.778) from the three-point line.
• Sophomore Trey Singleton added 15 points going 5-of-7 (.714) from deep.
• Sophomore MJ Smith chipped in 11 points shooting 4-of-6 (.667) from the field and 3-of-5 (,600) from behind the arc.
• Leading the Purple Raiders was Collen Gurley who scored 34 points going 12-of-18 (.667) from the floor and 9-of-13 (.692) from downtown.
• Muskingum ended the night going 32-of-62 (.516) from the field and 15-of-25 (.600) from the three-point line.
• The Muskies finished the game shooting 38-of-63 (.603) and 12-of-22 (.545) from behind the arc.
• The Purple Raiders held a slight edge in rebounds, 32-31.

Game Highlights

Muskingum and Mount Union would go back-and-forth throughout most of the first half, trading baskets and lead changes. The Purple Raiders used a late spurt in the half with an 11-6 run to head into halftime with a 50-43 lead.

Mount Union continued its momentum into the second half starting with a fast 10-2 run in the first two minutes and had small runs throughout the beginning stages of the final frame to increase its lead. Around the 8:30 mark, Dempsey made a lay-up while being fouled and converted the free-throw to cut the deficit to five points, 74-69. The Purple Raiders would then go on an 18-4 run that saw their largest lead of game with less than five minutes remaining, 94-74. The Muskies got within 10 points, 96-86, at the 1:55 mark but Mount Union withstood the Muskie charge to secure the league win. 

What's Next

• The Muskies next travel to Tiffin to take on Heidelberg in OAC action on Saturday, January 18. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. in Seiberling Gymnasium.