The Basics
Oral Roberts (7-7, 1-1) vs. Weber State (10-4, 2-0)
Game Date/Time: Saturday, January 6, 2024 / 7 p.m.
Location: Mabee Center / Tulsa, Okla.
TV/Video: CBS Sports Network
Audio: 99.9 FM ESPN Radio / Behind the Mic
Stats: ORU Athletics

TULSA, Okla. – In the second game of the Summit League/Big Sky Challenge the Oral Roberts men's basketball team hosts on Weber State Saturday, January 6 at 7 p.m. at the Mabee Center.

It's Bracket Buster Night at the Mabee Center and thanks to our good friends at Reasor's fans can get FREE tickets by visiting www.oruathletics.com/freetickets.

Due to the game being on national linear television, there will not be a digital streaming option. In the Tulsa area, CBS Sports Network can be seen on Cox Cable on channel 318.   

Fans can tune in to watch the game via national television on CBS Sports Network 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 14 games, along with McBride, three other Golden Eagles average double-digits. Newcomer Jailen Bedford averages 14.5 ppg., Kareem Thompson adds 12.9 ppg., and DeShang Weaver scores 11.2 ppg.

• Thompson currently ranks second in the nation in most minutes (38.43) played and not far behind is McBride in fifth (37.46). The Golden Eagles are 20th in the country in fewest turnovers per game at 9.6.

• Thompson is ranked 21st in the nation in three-point percentage at 38.2%.

• 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 8th meeting all-time between ORU and Weber State. The Golden Eagles have dropped the past five matchups with the Wildcats, including the previous meeting on December 1, 2014, in a one points, 62-61, loss in Ogden, Utah. ORU is 1-1 against Weber State at the Mabee Center.

• The Bobcats are 10-4 on the season and 2-0 in Big Sky action. In its most recent game, WSU defeated South Dakota State, 75-73, in the Summit League/Big Sky Challenge.

• Dillon Jones leads WSU in scoring with 18.8 ppg., Steven Verplancken scores 11.9 ppg., and Blaise Threatt averages 10.4 ppg.

• Weber State was picked to finish 1st in the Big Sky preseason poll with nine votes.

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.