OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 3, 2018) – An explosive offensive start and a long stretch of stellar defense in the second half proved a productive combination for Oklahoma Christian on Saturday afternoon against Manhattan Christian (Kan.).

OC jumped to a 25-point lead in the first 8½ minutes and held its opponent scoreless for more than eight minute in one stretch in a 100-56 rout of the Thunder in the annual homecoming exhibition game before a capacity crowd in the Eagles' Nest.

That crowd included members of OC's legendary 1967-68 basketball team. That squad was honored before the game as the university's first "Team of Distinction" in recognition of its accomplishment of winning the NAIA District 9 championship – twice beating No. 1-ranked Northeastern State to do so – and becoming the first OC squad to play in the NAIA national tournament.

The stat sheet was a picture of dominance for the Eagles. OC outrebounded Manhattan Christian – an NCCAA foe – by a whopping 61-24 count and shot 50 percent (37 of 74) from the field while limiting the Thunder to 28.3 percent (17 of 60).

Of the 15 Eagles who saw action, all but two of them scored, and four of them reached double figures – newcomers York Benjamin (13 points, seven rebounds), Aubrey Johnson (13 points, six rebounds, six assists) and D.J. Walter (12 points) and returning senior forward Roderick Smith (12 points, eight rebounds). Another returning player, center Will Lienhard, had 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

"I thought going into the season our depth was one of our biggest strengths and our guys have really bought into that," OC coach Cory Cole said. "Today proved that. We have a lot of guys who can play multiple positions but the common thread is they all play hard. It doesn't matter who gets the open shots. Guys are ready to take it and knock it down."

The Eagles put away the game early, scoring the first 11 points, a run capped by a 3-pointer by Walter. When Brian Carey scored on a driving layup with 11:25 left in the first half, OC led 29-4.

The Thunder pulled within 47-30 by halftime and trailed 57-35 after a 3-pointer by Zach Smalley with 15:41 left. OC reeled off 28 straight points before Manhattan Christian's next points, which came on free throws by Smalley with 7:32 left.

"I think this team is special," Cole said. "I don't know if that means we're going to have a special season in terms of wins and losses, but they're very coachable. The challenge at halftime was to come out and play our best four minutes of the season. The guys bought into that and that run started and they kept it going. We had eight guys play during that 28-0 run. It was good to see that versatility in action and the guys following the game plan."

After the big run, the only remaining mystery was whether the Eagles would hit triple digits, and they did so when Conner Johnson made a free throw with 25.6 seconds left.

Smalley led Manhattan Christian with 14 points, while Daton Aaron had 12 points and Alex Mitura and Trayveon Smith added 11 points each.

OC will open the regular season next Friday and Saturday in the Heartland-Lone Star Challenge in Lawton. The Eagles will face Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday and the host school the next day.

"I love playing teams early that are going to challenge you," Cole said. "Commerce is good and Cameron is gritty, tough and talented. They've beaten us the last three seasons. Those programs, that's where we're trying to get. Starting your season on the road against two high-quality programs is fun."

Cory Cole discusses the game: https://youtu.be/h9-zLun2lW0

1968 team honored as Team of Distinction: https://youtu.be/eCVtCf876Rw

Game highlights: https://youtu.be/PK8X62s4VHg