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Lakers Hand Eagles
Second Straight Loss |
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This week might bring back memories of when they first learned how to do the wash for the Ashland University basketball players. For the Eagles on Saturday (Jan. 28) at Kates Gymnasium, the court was shrinking like a cheap shirt. The Eagles’ faces were bleach white as they watched Grand Valley State come to town and leave with a 73-60 triumph. The Lakers coaxed the Eagles into 21 turnovers and permitted just 17 field goals. Ashland managed only nine assists and lost the points off turnovers battle, 29-11. At the free throw line, the Eagles converted 20 of 29 tries (69 percent). While the Eagles outrebounded the Lakers, 37-25, that wasn’t enough to offset AU’s other problems. Forward Kyle Carhart scored 19 points and guard Jason Jamerson added 18 points for Grand Valley State (17-3/9-2 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) The Lakers riddled the Eagles (15-6/7-4) with accurate three-point shooting, hitting 43.5 percent of their shots from three-point range (10-of-23). Grand Valley State had a 39-33 halftime lead. AU could get no closer than six points in the second half and that came with 13:30 to play in regulation. Forward Vahn Knight paced the Eagles with 17 points. Junior guard Rob McRae fired in 16 points and junior forward Greg Emmons hit for 10 points. Senior center Justin Brown had 10 rebounds. The loss was Ashland’s second straight. This is the first time AU has dropped consecutive games since the Eagles lost to Saint Joseph’s and Florida Memorial earlier this season. Ashland is also just 6-4 at home compared to 8-1 on the road. The Eagles will play two more GLIAC games at home next week. On Thursday (Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.) Hillsdale will invade Kates Gymnasium and on Saturday (Feb. 4, 3 p.m.) Wayne State will visit. AU won at Hillsdale, 75-69 two weeks ago and lost in overtime at Wayne State, 85-83. |