In a decisive matchup on Thursday night, Ray’Sean Taylor delivered an impressive performance, scoring 33 points to lead SIU-Edwardsville to an 80-62 victory over Morehead State.

Taylor’s contributions didn’t stop at scoring; he also secured seven rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Cougars’ success. The team improved its record to 19 wins and 9 losses overall, with a conference standing of 12-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Kyle Thomas was another key player for SIU-Edwardsville, adding 12 points while shooting an efficient 6 of 7 from the field. Both Ring Malith and Myles Thompson chipped in with 11 points each, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort from the Cougars.

On the other side of the court, Jerone Morton was the standout for the Eagles, scoring 21 points and registering three steals. Morehead State, now standing at 14 wins and 14 losses with a conference record of 9-8, also saw Dieonte Miles contribute with 11 points and Tyler Brelsford adding nine. Unfortunately, the loss marked the sixth consecutive defeat for Morehead State.

Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday. SIU-Edwardsville will travel to face Southern Indiana, while Morehead State will host Eastern Illinois in hopes of breaking their losing streak.