Randall posts double-double as Eagles easily win season opener

OC sophomore Eric Randall had 19 points and 15 rebounds in the Eagles’ 75-48 win over Central Bible (Mo.).

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 5, 2011) – The attention all was on Oklahoma Christian men’s basketball coach Dan Hays’ quest for a record-setting win. Lost somewhat in the shuffle was a fine performance by Eric Randall.

Making only his fifth collegiate start, Randall had 19 points and 15 rebounds – career highs in both categories – to lead the Eagles past Central Bible (Mo.) 75-48 on Saturday afternoon in the annual homecoming game on Dan Hays Court in the Eagles’ Nest.

With the win, Hays set the record for most career wins exclusively at Oklahoma schools. Hays has 663 career wins in 29 seasons at OC and five at Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Central Bible led only once, at 6-5 after two 3-pointers by Ethan Garrett. OC then went on a 19-5 run, during which Randall scored nine points – including his only 3-point attempt of the game – to go ahead 24-11 and the Spartans never seriously threatened again.

The Eagles led 37-23 halftime after shooting 57.7 percent from the field. OC gradually extended its lead in the second half.

The Eagles used their sizable height advantage to post a 52-32 edge in rebounding and limited Central Bible to 30.5 percent shooting (18 of 59).

Devan White also had a double-double for OC with 11 points and 10 rebounds, the latter matching his career high. Kendre Talley scored 12 points and Brandon Troutman added 11 for the Eagles.

Garrett led the Spartans with 16 points on 5-of-19 shooting and Terence Culler had 13 points and four blocked shots.

In a testament to the length of Hays’ coaching career, one of Central Bible’s starters, Antonio Malone, is the son of Tony Malone, who played for the Eagles during Hays’ first three seasons at OC, from 1983-84 to 1985-86. Antonio Malone scored four points for the Spartans.

After the game, Hays was honored by students through a “flash mob,” as they danced around him while one of his favorite songs, “My Girl” by The Temptations, played on the public-address system. Hays was presented with a jukebox full of old Motown records and a video featuring former players and other coaches and famous figures congratulating Hays was shown.

OC will visit Langston on Tuesday before returning home next Saturday to host Crowley’s Ridge (Ark.).

EAGLE EYE BLOG

Chuck White’s final home game

This video features scenes from Chuck White’s final home game as OC’s head baseball coach. Coach White was the driving force in the revival of the baseball program and the construction of Dobson Field and the Bobby Murcer Indoor Training Facility.

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