ANDERSON, S.C. - Oxford College (1-5) gave Anderson University all it could handle Friday with a true team performance as six players got into the scoring column for the Eagles to lead the way 81-59.
As a result, four Eagles scored in double figures.
"This is the type of team play that we need in order to succeed," commented Oxford head coach Roderick Stubbs. "We needed everyone contributing positively, and the on-floor chemistry we displayed tonight gave us the support we needed going down the stretch."
First half action was intense as both teams fought through five ties and six lead changes in the period. Anderson had established a 22-10 advantage with 7:31 left in the half when sophomore Michael Chang and freshman Makeen Sabree came off the bench and produced a key steal and back-to-back 3-point plays, immediately cutting the deficit to 4.
Oxford used the momentum to claw its way back and eventually knot the score at 34 apiece to end the period.
The Eagles opened the first six minutes of the second stanza with a defensive blanket on the Trojan offense. It spurred a 17-2 transition attack in which four Eagles scored at least 3 points apiece.
The lead soared even higher, as Sabree swished a 3-pointer with 8:09 remaining to give Oxford a 20-point cushion at 46-66. Anderson came charging back in the final minutes, however, cutting the shortage down to 6 points with 1:46 remaining.
But Oxford's Chad Hixon and Michael Chang each came up with a steal and scored 6 of the last 9 points for the Eagles to effectively seal the victory.
Hixon and "Ty" Trumbo combined for 46 points to lead the Eagle attack. Hixon also grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out 6 assists and ripped 4 steals that led to Oxford scores. Trumbo scored a personal career-high with 20 points and 3 steals.
The Eagles also received double-digit contributions from freshmen Sabree (14 points, 4 steals) and Arnold Kim (13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists).
Oxford center Matt O'Connor and freshman Jordan Washington added 4 steals and 9 rebounds, respectively.
Oxford will visit Georgia Perimeter C.C. at 7 p.m. Tuesday.