Morgan State handed cross-town rival Coppin State its worst defeat in the series since a 32-point loss during the 1979 season. The win improved the Morgan State Bear’s record to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the MEAC.

Jermaine Bolden, who replaced injured point guard Jerrell Green in the starting lineup, had a fantastic night for the Bears. Bolden, affectionately known as “Itchy”, helped spark a run midway through the first half as the Bears would go on to cruise to victory in front of 907 fans Saturday night at the Coppin Center.

Coppin State (3-5, 0-1 MEAC) jumped out to an early lead as a result of creating easy chances off of Bear miscues. Eddie Hayden’s layup with 8:12 remaining in the first half left the Bears trailing 18-8.

Morgan State roared back behind the play of Bolden and senior Jamar Smith. Smith initiated the Bears’ comeback when he converted a conventional three-point play after being fouled by Antwan Harrison on a layup. For the next 8 minutes the Bears limited Coppin State to a single field goal and closed the half on a 24-2 run.

Morgan State went into halftime with a 32-20 lead.

Coppin State pulled to within 9 points at 42-33 with 13:03 remaining, but the Bears went on a 17-3 run and held a commanding 59-36 lead at the 6:21 mark. Morgan State would go on to lead by as many as 30 points.

Bolden, the smallest player on the court, was a “stat-stuffer” throughout most of the night and had 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in 37 minutes.

Smith collected a game-high 25 points and shot 4-for-5 from three-point territory, while Reggie Holmes pitched in 21 points and Marquise Kately scored 10.

The Bears made up for a sub-par shooting night against UMBC by blistering the nets in the Coppin Center. MSU shot almost 50 percent from the field (30-61 FG) and shot a season-high 52.6 percent (10-19 3FG) from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Bears intense pressure defense held the Eagles to 27.8 percent shooting and 1-for-6 shooting from 3-point territory.

Coppin State’s (3-5, 0-1 MEAC) A’Daeron Duncan scored 10 points, added seven rebounds and was the only Eagle to score in double-figures. All-MEAC guard Tywain McKee was held to six points, 16 below his season average, on 2-for-9 shooting.

Senior Boubacar Coly was dominant inside as he collected a game-high 14 rebounds and recorded four of Morgan’s six blocked shots. The Bears held a 44-30 advantage on the glass and outscored Coppin State inside the lane by a 34-22 margin.