Early Deficits Dooms Eagles Men Against Northern Michigan
January 22, 2004

Maybe the Ashland University basketball team is in need of some starter’s blocks.

It would appear as if the Eagles are wanting for something that can give them a boost at the opening gun. Monday night, AU was lapped in the first half, falling behind by 20 points at halftime in a 73-60 setback against Michigan Tech at Kates Gymnasium.

Thursday (Jan. 22) in Marquette, MI, that same problem resurfaced. AU fell behind early against Northern Michigan and had to play from behind all night. That’s not a formula for success for a young team on the road in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Thursday’s game went to Northern Michigan, 74-59. The loss leaves the Eagles at 8-10, 1-7 in GLIAC action. NMU is 9-8, 3-5 in the conference.

AU shot only 30.3 percent in the first half and trailed, 21-14 with 10:27 to go before the break. The ‘Cats went on a 12-7 run over the next 7:25 and led, 36-24 with 2:29 to play in the first half. The Eagles were behind, 38-26 at halftime.

Although the Eagles played much better in the second half, they couldn’t make up that much of a deficit. Over the final 20 minutes, AU was outscored, 36-33. The home team pushed its lead to 19 points, 57-38 with 11:55 to play and was in front, 62-43 with 8:01 remaining in regulation.

AU did manage to outrebound the ‘Cats, 45-38. Most of Ashland’s scoring punch came from a pair of freshman guards. Chris Newell was the top point producer with 16 points. Newell hit 5-of-7 field goal tries and was 4-for-4 from three-point range. Freshman point guard Alex Jones continued the inspired play he’s shown lately with 12 points.

Another positive was the play of freshman forward Greg Mayes. Mayes is still polishing his offensive game, but there’s nothing wrong with the way he goes after the ball. The rookie led all players in the game with 10 rebounds. Eight of those boards came off the offensive glass.

Ricky Volcy led NMU with 13 points and Matt LePage had 11 points. While AU had a long trip getting to Marquette, the Wildcats have also been road warriors this past week. Monday, they played at Findlay after visiting Mercyhurst and Gannon last Thursday and Saturday.

Ashland has one more game in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Saturday, AU will drop in on Lake Superior State.