The Morgan State Bears defeated the Coppin State Eagles 70–66 in the ‘East vs. West Battle’ for their final regular-season game. 

The Bears have now clinched the No. 2 seed heading into the MEAC tournament.

The conference matchup was intense, at the end of the first half Morgan held a close lead  34-32. The game featured 16 lead changes and no team ever led by more than six.

Head coach Kevin Broadus said the new guys on the team didn’t understand the history of the matchup. 

“They don’t respect it until they’re in the heat of the battle,” said Broadus. “Once they figured it out I thought we locked in and played a good second [half] of the game.”

Last night’s win improves the Bears to 10–4 in conference play, their best since the 2010 season when they went 14-1, claimed the No. 1 seed heading into the tournament, and clinched their second straight NCAA Tournament berth.

The Bears also honored eight seniors for Senior Night. Alfred Worrell Jr. led the group with 20 points in his farewell game, adding a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this,” said Worrell Jr.  “I know this was our last game in the [Hill] Field House but we [have] more games ahead of us. We’re confident, we’re ready.’’

Senior guard Walter Peggs Jr. contributed 13 points, Elijah Davis chipped in 10  and Rob Lawson had six assists. 

“I’ve been with Broadus for four years now,” said Lawson. “All the ups and downs I had with him he always had my back and I always had his.’’ 

Junior forward Eugene Alvin also had a strong performance scoring 14 points with six rebounds and a season-high five blocked shots.

The Eagles battled until the end, ending with a 42-40 rebound advantage and tying the score nine times throughout the game. Morgan held up defensively down the stretch to secure the victory.

This is the first time since the 2023-24 season that the Bears have swept the Eagles in the regular season. They hope to take this momentum with them into the upcoming tournament.

“These guys now know how to win,” said Broadus. “Now we [have] to take that attitude down to Norfolk and do what our Morgan family wants us to do, try to win this.”

The Bears now await a first-round matchup against the No. 7 seed, Delaware State, on Wednesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. ET at Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA.

Associate Editor Temple Christian contributed to this story.