JONESBORO (1/24/08) ? Ryan Wedel provided the offense and Shawn Morgan added the defense to help Arkansas State defeat Florida International, 68-59, Thursday night in Sun Belt Conference action at the Convocation Center.
Wedel poured in 18 points, including a perfect four-of-four from beyond the three-point line, while Morgan and company forced the Golden Panthers to commit 21 turnovers. ASU was without the services of leading scorer Adrian Banks, who has been hampered by an ankle sprain. Banks started the game and played seven minutes, but missed the only two shots he attempted.
“It wasn't pretty, but the bottom line is it's a win,” said ASU Head Coach Dickey Nutt, whose team now stands 9-10 overall and 4-4 in league play. “Ryan Wedel had an outstanding night shooting the ball the way he did. His knee is bothering him a little bit, but he gutted it out.”
Wedel wasn't the only one who fired up ASU's offense. Yima Chia-Kur added 15 points and Morgan exhibited his offensive skills as well with 10 points. Kewain Gant led the Indians with nine rebounds. Nutt also praised the defensive efforts by Morgan and Ashton Farmer.
“Shawn means a lot to this team,” he said. “He gives us energy and we like having him out on the floor giving us a lot of fire. Ashton also did an outstanding job defensively. He's just a sophomore and he's really coming along. He's learning how to use his big, strong body.”
“We had a good game plan,” continued Nutt. “Our coaches did a nice job. Alex Galindo is a good player for FIU. I thought we put him on the free throw line too many times in the first half, but we did a better job on him in the second half. It was a good win for us”
FIU was plagued with ice-cold shooting from the field for most of the game, but managed to hang close due to success at the free throw line. ASU managed to take a slim 28-27 halftime lead while FIU shot 26 percent from the field. However, the visitors were 14-of-16 from the charity stripe to keep the first half tight.
Galindo led Florida International with 14 points with Russell Hicks adding 11. Eric Nsangou chipped in 10. Galindo and Hicks had eight rebounds apiece. The Golden Panthers go home with a record of 5-13 and 2-6 in the Sun Belt.
The Indians hit the road to play Western Kentucky Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. in Diddle Arena in another conference matchup.
“Western has got it going now, especially at home,” concluded Nutt. “Western Kentucky and South Alabama seem to be pulling away on their side while it's still wide open in our division. This game is going to be a tough challenge for us. I hope we get to see Adrian this weekend. We had hoped he could go more tonight, but he has that ankle sprain and aggravated it again. He's an outstanding player. We've got to get everyone healthy.”
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