CORRO, MURPHY LEAD TIGERS TO VICTORY OVER EAGLES

ELGIN, Ill. – Caleb Corro and Daniel Murphy combined for over half of the Olivet Nazarene University men's basketball team's points to lead the Tigers to an 88-73 win over Judson Saturday afternoon in the Lindner Fitness Center. 

Corro recorded a game-high 23 points in the win, marking the 11th time this season he has scored over 20 in a game, while Murphy shot an efficient 9-of-13 from the floor on his way to a career-best 22 points. The duo did most of their damage in the second half, with Corro dropping in 17 and Murphy notching 10 over the final 20 minutes.

The Tigers broke away in the early goings of the opening period, with Murphy sparking an extended 14-4 run with back-to-back layups to put ONU in front. And when Tyler Curl, who provided a huge boost with 15 points off the bench, capped the run with a three-point play, the Tigers led by double digits at 22-13 midway through the first.

A pair of Curl free throws extended the lead to 13 points until Judson (5-15, 2-10 CCAC) finally found some rhythm in the closing minutes, knocking the Tiger lead down single digits at 39-32 entering the halftime break.

Corro opened the second half scoring with a 3-pointer to push the lead back to double figures and ignited an 18-2 ONU run. All five starters contributed to the near six-minute scoring stretch. And when the Eagles finally snapped the run, the Tigers led by 21. The result was never in question from there. 

Caleb Swearingen reached double figures as well with his 10 points. Luke Yeager had six points and Andrew Bennett chipped in five. Mason Wood and Luke Braman came off the bench to record four and two points, respectively. 

Murphy had another big game on the glass, bringing down 10 rebounds to secure his first career double-double. Corro secured seven rebounds, Bennett had five, and Yeager and Swearingen both notched four to help the Tigers outrebound Judson 43-36.

The win improves ONU to 9-11 overall and 7-5 in CCAC play. The Tigers will host Viterbo Wednesday night in McHie Arena.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu