Busting Brackets
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Summit League Basketball: Power ranking the conference (v.3)

By Nolan Schmidt

DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 02: Tyler Hagedorn
DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 02: Tyler Hagedorn /
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DENVER – MARCH 20: The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles cheerleaders perform during a break from the first round game of the South Regional against the Pittsburgh Panthers as part of 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Pepsi Center on March 20, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER – MARCH 20: The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles cheerleaders perform during a break from the first round game of the South Regional against the Pittsburgh Panthers as part of 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Pepsi Center on March 20, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

The turnaround for the Golden Eagles is truly remarkable given how dismal their prospects seemed a month or so ago. Oral Roberts not only won both of their games this past week, they completely dominated their opponents. Most impressive was their 16-point victory over Fort Wayne. Sam Kearns paced the Golden Eagles with 21 points, but it was Emmanuel Nzekwesi who stuffed the box score again. The sophomore scored 14 points, but also hauled in 14 rebounds and dished out six assists.

It was the reigning Conference Player of the Week who led the way again in Oral Roberts’ 81-66 win over Western Illinois. Nzekwesi scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while R.J. Fuqua chipped in 18 points of his own. The Golden Eagles now sit atop the Summit League after going 4-11 throughout non-conference play.

A real test awaits the Golden Eagles as they hit the road to face South Dakota State next. Then, they head to Fargo to play the equally hot North Dakota State. This three-day stretch will be a true testament as to if this Oral Roberts team is for real or not.