The Ashland Men’s basketball team is hoping to bring back a win this Saturday, Feb. 11, as they take on Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) competitor, Ohio Dominican. 

The Eagles and the Panthers have not played each other so far during the 2022-2023 season. 

The Panthers, currently sitting with a 7-14 overall record and 3-11 in conference record, are set to take on the 15-8 and 11-4 Eagles. 

The last face-off between the Eagles and the Panthers was during their 2021-2022 season, where the Eagles took the win with a 65-51 score. 

Although it was a close game between the two opponents, the Eagles took control of the second half and dominated the Panthers to secure the win. 

However, even with the success against the Panthers last year, the Eagles’ loss against non-conference Wilberforce just a few days ago may hinder confidence.

“We’ve really been getting mentally sharp,” said forward Ethan Conley. “It’s a long season, and it’s about to be over. We want to finish out strong, and give our best every time we step on the court. The games are huge and a must-win for us, so we will be ready”. 

The Eagles have five games left in the regular season, with all five being conference rivalries. 

They currently sit at the No. 3 spot in the GMAC, sitting only a game away from the Walsh Cavaliers in second, and the Hillsdale Chargers in first. 

The Eagles and Chargers are set to face off in Kates Gymnasium on Feb. 18.

The last face-off between the Eagles and Chargers had resulted in the Eagles claiming a victory with a final score of 82-73 while they were on the road in Michigan. 

This year’s squad had a lot to overcome, and chemistry within the team has been the biggest challenge as they had to rebuild their roster in the offseason. 

“The team’s chemistry has been getting better each and every game,” said Conley. “We’ve been through a lot of adversity as a team, but at the end that has made us stronger. A lot of guys have stepped up in huge ways to impact the game, and that has been because of the chemistry we have built as a team on and off the floor.”

The Eagles now look to take on the Panther Saturday, Feb. 11, at Ohio Dominican.