If you’re just looking at the scoreboard from the latest Little Rock vs Morehead St clash, you’re honestly missing about half the story. Basketball in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) isn't just about who has the higher seed or the flashiest guards. It’s a grind. It is about who can survive a Tuesday night in Morehead, Kentucky, without letting the atmosphere swallow them whole.
On December 16, 2025, the Eagles basically gave the Trojans a masterclass in home-court advantage. Morehead State walked away with a 78–64 win, but the way it went down tells us a lot about where these two programs are headed as we crawl deeper into the 2026 season.
The Deciding Factor: Morehead’s Early Punch
Most people thought this would be a toss-up. Little Rock came in with Darrell Walker’s gritty defensive identity, but they looked like they were stuck in mud during the first twenty minutes.
Morehead State didn't just lead; they suffocated them. By halftime, the Eagles were up 46–29.
You can't do that on the road. Darrell Walker said it best after the game—you simply cannot dig a hole that deep and expect to climb out against a team that shoots 52 percent in the first half. Jonathan Mattox has this Morehead squad playing with a kind of rotational energy that’s hard to match. They played ten guys. Ten. That kind of depth wears you down by the time the under-four timeout in the second half rolls around.
Individual Brilliance vs. Team Depth
George Marshall is the name you’ve got to know if you’re following the Eagles. He dropped 17 points in that December win, but it wasn't a solo act. Chase Dawson added 13, and Tyonne Farrell—who usually doesn't even start—came off the bench to chip in 11.
On the other side, Little Rock’s Tuongthach Gatkek was a one-man wrecking crew.
- 17 points.
- 7 steals (yes, seven).
- Countless deflections.
Gatekek was coming off an eye injury, so seeing him fly around like that was sort of a miracle. But even with Johnathan Lawson playing 39 minutes and Kachi Nzeh chipping in 13 points, the Trojans couldn't find enough secondary scoring. They forced 18 turnovers, which is usually a winning stat, but they got bullied on the glass.
Morehead State outrebounded them 41 to 24. That is a 17-rebound gap. You aren't winning many Division I basketball games when you give up that many second chances.
Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
The Little Rock vs Morehead St rivalry is still in its infancy, really. The series is currently sitting at 4–3 in favor of Morehead State after that latest result. It’s a young series, but it’s becoming one of the "must-watch" games in the OVC because of the stylistic clash.
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Little Rock wants to speed you up and make you uncomfortable. Morehead State, especially under Mattox, wants to use their size and depth to wear you into submission.
The Women's Game Flipped the Script
Interestingly, the women’s teams played on the same day, and the result was the polar opposite. Little Rock’s women went into Johnson Arena and dominated, winning 76–63. Jordan Holman was unstoppable with 25 points.
It’s funny how that works. The men struggled with the environment, while the women’s team used it as fuel. Steve Wiedower’s squad shot over 40% from the field and actually won the rebounding battle, proving that the "Morehead is too big" narrative isn't always true if you have the right scheme.
What to Watch For in the Rematch
The next time these two meet is February 26, 2026. This time, it’s at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock.
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If you're betting or just watching for fun, keep an eye on these specific tactical shifts:
- The Rebound Margin: If Little Rock can keep the gap under five, they probably win. If it’s another double-digit deficit on the boards, they’re toasted.
- Johnathan Lawson’s Fatigue: The guy is leading the OVC in minutes. By late February, those 39-minute nights start to feel like 50.
- Transition Points: Little Rock is elite at turning steals into dunks. Gatkek needs to stay out of foul trouble to keep that engine running.
Morehead State is currently sitting in a logjam in the OVC standings alongside teams like Lindenwood and SEMO. Every single game matters for seeding right now.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following this matchup, don't just look at the overall record. Little Rock is notoriously better at home, and Morehead State’s shooting percentages take a noticeable dip when they leave Johnson Arena.
Watch the injury report for Cameron Wallace. He’s been a spark plug for the Trojans, but consistency has been his hurdle. If he and Lawson are both clicking, they can beat anyone in this league.
Check the "Points in the Paint" stats early in the next game. In their last meeting, Morehead owned the paint 38–26. If Little Rock can’t wall off the middle, they’ll be forced to rely on three-pointers, which—honestly—has been a bit of a rollercoaster for them this year.
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Get ready for the February rematch. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be physical, and it’ll likely decide who gets a first-round bye in the OVC Tournament.