|
Eagles on Target in
90-78 Win Over Hillsdale |
|
On a day that the Groundhog saw his shadow, the Ashland University Eagles apparently saw the light. The Eagles enjoyed one of their best shooting nights of the season Thursday (Feb. 2) at Kates Gymnasium and that led them to a come-from-behind, 90-78 triumph over Hillsdale. The Eagles scorched the nets with 50 percent shooting (9-of-18) from three-point range and dropped in 27-of-32 free throw tries (84.4 percent) to put an end to a two-game losing streak. Ashland shot 50.9 percent from the field (27-of-53), 57.1 percent (12-21) in the second half. That accuracy allowed the Eagles to overcome a six-point halftime deficit. Guard Rob McRae and forward Vahn Knight scored 20 points each for the Eagles, who are 16-6, 8-4 and in second place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference South Division. Every AU starter scored in double digits. Forward Greg Emmons had 16 points and eight rebounds, center Justin Brown was good for 15 points and a team-high nine caroms and guard Brett Bartlett had 10 points. The game was tied 10 times and the lead changed hands eight times. Ashland’s first lead in the second half came with 11:25 left in regulation when guard Javan Roberson hit a pair of free throws to give the Eagles a 54-53 advantage. A layup by Knight with 5:49 to play gave Ashland the lead for good, 69-67. Knight had 14 points in the second half. Coming into the game, it was Hillsdale (9-11/5-6) that was known for its long-distance shooting. The Chargers were 9-for-31 from trey land in this contest. Their best long-range bomber, Cory Coe, finished with 18 points. Travis Worst had 14 points and Drew Powell added 13 markers. The win allows the Eagles to sweep the season series. Earlier this year at Hillsdale, AU hung a 71-61 loss on HC. The Eagles have a game and a half lead over Mercyhurst for second place in the GLIAC South Division. The first two teams in the division will host first-round GLIAC playoff games. |