COLUMBUS, Miss. – For a team that's had just one practice after a week off for finals, Mississippi University for Women men's basketball turned in a creditable performance in its 80-75 win at home versus Pensacola Christian College. In improving to 5-4 on the year, the Owls checked off quite a few boxes for Head Coach Dean Burrows.
 
"For our guys, having only one practice (on Monday) and coming out of exams last week, to come out on top tonight - against one of, if not the, best shooting teams from beyond the arc that we've faced yet this season - is a testament to the team)," Burrows said. "I felt that we moved the ball tonight better than we've done in most of our games this season and 19 assists to nine turnovers shows just that. Winning the rebound margin and making as many free throws as they attempted are three statistical categories we emphasize daily.
 
"I thought that Thomas (Wright) was Thomas tonight down low. And it was good to see both Andrew Shepherd and Milos (Zeradjanin) have good nights from behind the arc in the same game. Shon (Wright) may not have shot the ball well tonight, but his 10 boards, to go along with his three assists to one turnover,r makes me very happy. Chris (Evans) did a great job tonight on the glass and taking care of and sharing the ball as evident by his four assists to zero turnovers. Dariun Doss, once again, provided us with energy and a spark."
 
Neither team was able to create any separation during the contest. The W's largest advantage was nine points early in the second half. The Eagles biggest advantage was five points in the first segment. There were a total of nine lead changes and seven ties, with MUW holding the upper hand for 30 minutes.
 
Most of the statistical comparisons were reasonably close. However, the one glaring advantage for the Owls was on second chance points, where The W outscored PCC by 13 points (17-to-4). That went hand-in-hand with The W out-rebounding the Eagles on the offensive glass, also by a 17-4 differential (and 40-22 overall).
 
Thomas Wright once again led the Owls on offense with 21 points and connecting on 9-of-11 shots from the floor. He had three ssists and five rebounds to his credit.
 
Shepherd rolled up 18 points, sinking 6-of-10 from the field. Among his makes were a game-leading four three-point baskets made.
 
Zeradjanin also hit double-digit scoring, thanks to his 5-of-10 shooting night, on his way to 14 points. He booked four assists and three rebounds, as well.
 
Shon Wright, Josh Dukes and Dariun Doss each contributed seven points. Wright had his game-high 10 rebounds and Doss grabbing seven caroms. Evans and Tyson Smithey each had three points, with Evans matching Zeradjanin's four assists.
 
The W will not have long to savor the win as it hosts Covenant College on Wednesday (Dec. 7) at 4 p.m. in Pohl Gym. Burrows says Covenant is "bigger and more physical than most of the teams that we've seen to date."