OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Senior Drew Miller and junior LePra George Jr. combined for 44 points, and the John Brown University men's basketball team held off a late surge by No. 23 Oklahoma City to secure a 90-86 road win Tuesday evening (Nov. 26) inside Abe Lemons Arena.
The Golden Eagles (7-2, 5-0 Sooner Athletic) remained perfect in league play behind a balanced attack – five players in double figures – and 52 percent (33-of-63) shooting effort from the floor. JBU also converted 50 percent (14-of-28) of its three-point attempts to build a double-digit lead in the first half that proved too much for the hosts to overcome.
Miller paced the Golden Eagles with 22 points, hitting 9-of-15 from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, while adding four rebounds and four assists. George matched Miller with 22 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night, knocking down 4-of-5 from three-point range, and dished out three assists.
Sophomore Trae Oetting scored 15 points and pulled down a team-leading seven boards, while junior Josh Stewart and junior Elijah Lawrence each added a dozen points.
"That was a great win against a really good team today," head coach Jason Beschta pointed out. "I thought we did an excellent job offensively, creating some high-quality shots and finishing strong at the rim as they extended their pressure. We made enough big plays down the stretch to maintain the lead and close it out. Our team has truly embraced the concepts we've been emphasizing, and we're improving every week."
The visitors held a commanding 15-point lead midway through the first half, fueled by a 6-of-9 start from three-point range. Miller and George combined for 21 first-half points as JBU carried a 41-37 advantage into halftime.
The second half featured a more balanced scoring effort, with both teams trading baskets before Oklahoma City mounted a late rally. The Stars trimmed a 12-point deficit to just four with just over a minute remaining, but Stewart's clutch free throws and a timely George layup down the stretch sealed the victory for JBU.
John Brown's defense limited the Stars to 29 percent (5-of-17) shooting from beyond the arc while winning the rebounding battle, 37-34. The Golden Eagles' reserves also outscored their counterparts, 19-17, while capitalizing on eight Oklahoma City turnovers to generate 15 points off miscues.
The Stars (7-3, 3-3) were led by Clayton Jewell's 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Yorgio Golesis added 19 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds before fouling out. Brandon Wilson added 15 points and 10 boards, while Avery Jackson came off the bench to contribute 15 points on a perfect 8-of-8 night from the charity stripe. Oklahoma City outscored JBU 32-26 in the paint but struggled to slow the visitors' long-range shooting.
The Golden Eagles will look to extend its winning streak on Thursday (Dec. 5) when they return home to host Texas Wesleyan at Bill George Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7:45 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on the SAC Sports Network.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Twitter (@JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and Facebook (/JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
