BALTIMORE (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering disparity in ball security, the Morgan State Bears overcame a season-high 23 turnovers by shooting a blistering 61 percent from the field to hold off the Niagara Purple Eagles 81-73 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Hill Field House.

Both teams entered the contest with identical 1-8 records, but it was the Bears who found enough offensive efficiency to secure their second win. Morgan State’s remarkable shooting performance, which included 9 of 20 from three-point range and 18 of 21 from the free-throw line, ultimately negated a Niagara defense that forced those 23 giveaways, leading to 23 points.

The most important part of the game unfolded late in the second half after Niagara had clawed back from a deficit that reached 11 points. The Purple Eagles, leveraging their relentless pressure, cut the Morgan State lead to 65-63 with just under six minutes remaining following a stepback jumper from Vice Zanki.

Morgan State’s response was immediate and decisive, orchestrated by guard Rob Lawson and fueled by the hot hand of Alfred Worrell. On the ensuing possession, Worrell, who finished with a game-high 24 points, drained a three-pointer off an assist from Lawson. After a Niagara dunk, Worrell connected on another three-pointer, again from a Lawson pass, pushing the lead back to 71-65 and forcing a Niagara timeout at the 6:46 mark.

The Bears’ defense then stiffened, and Lawson, who posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists, hit a pull-up jumper to extend the run to 8-0 and establish a 73-65 advantage with 6:17 to play. Niagara would not get closer than five points the rest of the way, as Morgan State closed the game by making 8 of 10 free throws in the final 33 seconds to seal the victory.

The first half was a sloppy affair, with the two teams combining for 32 turnovers. Morgan State managed a 35-33 lead at the break despite giving the ball away 14 times, thanks to 54 percent shooting. Niagara stayed close by converting 10 Morgan State miscues into 12 points, but the Purple Eagles’ own offensive struggles, including 7-of-21 shooting from three-point range for the game, prevented them from building a lead.

Justin Page led Niagara with 18 points and four assists. Brian Griffith provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, all in the second half, while Zanki added 13. The Purple Eagles won the battle in the paint, 34-20, and on the fast break, 14-8, but were ultimately undone by Morgan State’s superior shot-making.

For Morgan State, Eugene Alvin joined Worrell and Lawson in double figures with 17 points. David Bumpass contributed 10 points. The Bears’ offensive rating of 114.1 points per 100 possessions starkly contrasted with their carelessness with the ball, but their 27-for-44 performance from the floor proved insurmountable.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 368, improved both teams’ records to 2-8. Niagara will look to rebound quickly as they travel to face VCU on Monday. Morgan State begins a three-game West Coast trip at California on Friday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Niagara had been projected with a 54.7 percent probability to win, and Morgan State closed as a 1.5-point favorite. The total score of 154 surpassed the over/under line of 141.5.