The Eagles Online -- Ashland University Athletics

Mountain State Homecoming Suits Brown Fine, Eagles Men Win Over West Virginia Wesleyan
November 26, 2005

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Ashland University senior center Justin Brown began his collegiate career playing for West Liberty State in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. At that point in his career four years ago, he was a work in progress.

Now Brown’s a polished senior and he’s at AU. Saturday (Nov. 26) he worked over WVIAC foe West Virginia Wesleyan for a career-high 30 points and 15 rebounds as the Eagles improved to 4-2 with an 86-70 triumph.

Brown was Ashland’s biggest asset from start to finish. Throughout the first half, when the game was nip-and-tuck, it was Brown who carried the Eagles. The Bobcats (0-4) didn’t have a player on the roster who could match up with AU’s post player. Brown hit 12 of 13 shots from the floor and yanked down four offensive rebounds. His presence also sent West Virginia Wesleyan’s brigade of inside players to the bench early – they battled foul trouble all afternoon.

Thanks to Brown’s dominance inside, the Eagles shot 56 percent (27-48) from the floor. The senior’s play inside eventually opened up other avenues for AU. Junior forward Greg Emmons buried 7 of 10 field goal tries, most from inside the key, on the way to 16 points. He also collected six rebounds. Guard Rob McRae had 12 points. His day included three, three-point field goals.

Ashland held a 45-31 edge on the glass. Both teams suffered through stretches where they gave the ball away – Ashland had 24 turnovers, the Bobcats 21. The teams also spent a lot of time at the free throw line – the two units combined to shoot 65 charity tosses. AU had 40 attempts at the line, 33 in the second half. The Eagles ended the day 28 of 40 at the stripe (70 percent).

The ‘Cats were paced by Andy Chelcher’s 14 points and seven rebounds. Brian Inge had 13 points and G.J. Lucas added 11 points.

This was Ashland’s third consecutive road contest and the Eagles will play two more times away from home before they return to Kates Gymnasium. Thursday (Dec. 1), AU opens Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a game at Lake Superior State.