OKLAHOMA CITY- For the second time in the last two weeks, the Cavaliers (7-7, 3-4 SAC) have knocked off a team ranked in the top 10, on the road. This also the first time in program history that St. Gregory's University has ever beaten Oklahoma City University (13-4, 4-3 SAC) on OCU's home court. There were 6 lead changes in the back and forth first half between the Stars and Cavs. OCU did have a 32-29 lead at halftime, but SGU came out with energy in the second half. The game would stay close all throughout the second half, but Jordan Rutherford (SR/Houston, Texas) was the difference maker in the game. Rutherford scored 19 of his 22 points in the final half. The Cavs reclaimed the lead with about 8 minutes left in the second half and never let that lead go.
The Stars came into the game as the No. 12 team in the nation at collecting offensive rebounds (13.375), and No. 18 in total rebounds per game (41.313), but the Cavaliers out rebounded OCU offensively, and the teams tied in total rebounds. The Cavs had 11 offensive rebounds to the Stars' 10, and both teams ended up with 39 total rebounds. OCU is the nation's fifteenth highest scoring offense (86.88 PPG), and the Cavs kept them below their season average.
The Cavaliers had 7 players score at least 7 points on the night. Jordan Rutherford was the offensive leader with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Rodney Smith (SR/Chicago, Ill.) had 12 points and 5 assists, and Michael Maras (JR/Tulsa, Okla.) scored 12 points to go with 6 rebounds. Kilder Gonzalez (JR/Maracaibo, Venezuela) went 8-11 at the free throw line to collect all of his points on the night. Malik Barnett (JR/Midwest City, Okla.), Zachary Lemusu (SR/San Diego, Calif.) (8 rebounds), and Pablo Bianchi (JR/Jundiai, Brazil) all scored 7 points.
The Stars were led by Tyler Alderman's 24 points and 9 rebounds, and Xavier Smith's double-double (16 points, 12 rebounds). Syrus McDonald scored 11 points and dished out 7 assists.
The Cavs will now head to Arkansas to play John Brown University on Sat. Jan. 21.