The Basics
Oral Roberts (6-7, 1-1) at Montana State (6-7, 1-1)
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, January 3, 2024 / 8:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. MT
Location: Worthington Arena / Bozeman, Mont.
Video: ESPN+
Audio: 99.9 FM ESPN Radio / Behind the Mic
Stats: Montana State Athletics

TULSA, Okla. – In the first game of the first-ever Summit League/Big Sky Challenge the Oral Roberts men's basketball team takes on Montana State Wednesday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT in Bozeman, Montana.  

Fans can tune in to watch the game via ESPN+ or by following along on Twitter @ORUMBB

Important Links
ORU Game Notes
Opponent Game Notes
Summit League Notes

Quick Hits

• Issac McBride was named to the Preseason All-Summit League First Team and Kareem Thompson earned a spot on the Second Team as the Golden Eagles were picked second in the league's preseason poll, but did receive seven first place votes.
 
• McBride was named Summit League Player of the Week on November 20 and December 4. He's had five 20-plus point outings and six 10-plus point outings so far this season. He continues to lead the team in scoring by averaging 18.9 points per game. He has recorded more than 1,000 points during his time at ORU.

• ORU is on a 21 home game winning streak that goes back to the 2022-23 season when the Golden Eagles went undefeated at home winning all 16 home games. It is the nation's longest home game win streak.

• Through 13 games, along with McBride, three other Golden Eagles average double-digits. Newcomer Jailen Bedford averages 13.8 ppg., Kareem Thompson adds 13.1 ppg., and DeShang Weaver scores 11.2 ppg.

• Thompson currently ranks third in the nation in most minutes (38.40) played and not far behind is McBride in fifth (37.45). The Golden Eagles are 11th in the country in fewest turnovers per game at 9.4.

• Thompson is ranked 15th in the nation in three-point percentage at 44.9 percent.
 
• Oral Roberts has eight newcomers joining the squad with two true freshmen and six transfers, including three Power 5 transfers.

• Russell Springmann took over the ORU program and is in his first season as a head coach of his career. He is in his sixth season at ORU. He earned his first career head coaching win on Nov. 6, 2023, with a 75-71 victory over Mid-America Christian. He earned his first Division-I win with a 65-63 victory at home against Texas Southern.

Scouting the Opponent
 
• This will be the 2nd meeting all-time between ORU and Montana State. The Golden Eagles defeated the Bobcats first meeting, 116-68, at home (Dec. 29, 1972). This will be the first time ORU has played in Bozeman, Montana, in program history.

• The Bobcats are 6-7 on the season. In its most recent game, MSU lost at Weber State, 86- 64, in its second Big Sky game of the season.

• Brian Goracke leads MSU in scoring with 15.7 ppg., Robert Ford III scores 13.5 ppg., and Brandon Walker averages 11.8 ppg.

• Montana State was picked to finish 7th in the Big Sky preseason poll.

For the latest information on ORU Men's Basketball, follow the Golden Eagles on Twitter and Instagram, or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the ORU Athletics app from the App Store or Google Play Store.