ANCHORAGE - Oral Roberts guard Warren Niles poured in 33 points to win a scoring dual with Loyola Marymount's Anthony Ireland and lead his team to a 75-66 victory in the first round of the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout at Sullivan Arena on Thursday night.

The Golden Eagles (3-1) also got eight points and 13 rebounds from senior center Damen Bell-Holter as they move into Friday's semifinals against either Charlotte or Texas State.

The Lions (2-2) were led by 30 points and three steals from Ireland, while forward Ashley Hamilton tallied 15 points and four rebounds.

ORU, from the Southland Conference, did not lead until late in the first half, using a 12-0 run that spanned halftime to take control.

LMU, from the West Coast Conference, trailed by as much as 18 points in the second half, although Ireland's 11-of-21 shooting display kept the game close.

Meanwhile, Niles was consistent all evening, finishing 11 of 15 from the field - including 5 of 6 on three-pointers - and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line.

Steven Roundtree was the third Golden Eagle in double figures with 10 points.

LMU will face the loser of the late game between Charlotte and Texas State in Friday's 3 p.m. consolation semifinals, while ORU's semifinal matchup will tip at 9:30 p.m. that night.