After falling to the Walsh Cavaliers the first time around, the men’s team was able to get revenge, defeating Walsh 70-64.

The team’s win improved their record to 18-4 and 12-4 in the GLIAC. The Eagles remain one place behind Findlay for first place in the South Division and two games behind Saginaw Valley State in the GLAIC standings.

“This win is redemption,” said head coach John Ellenwood. “Our guys felt like we gave that game away earlier in the year. They made a shot to take the lead with five seconds left to go. It was just a gut wrenching feeling that we let one slip away.”

Contributing to the Eagle’s win was the core strength of the junior class, who led the boards for the team.

Junior Wendell Davis was the leading scorer for the Eagles with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Junior Adrian Cook followed closely behind adding 16 points to the teams score alone with eight rebounds.  Cook has averaged 17 points over the last seven games of this season.

Classmate Boo Osborne added 12 points, two steals, and five rebounds to match his five assists.

“Quietly, Adrian Cook is have a really strong end to the year,” said Ellenwood. “Boo Osborne is doing the same thing. When Wendell is not scoring as much, those two step in. All three of them are tremendous leaders and that class is the one who has really changed our culture. Those guys are not scared of any competition and they want to win.”

The Eagles had a strong start, scoring the first six points of the game before allowing Walsh on the board. Walsh cut the space between the Eagles to 18-14 although the Eagles were able to maintain their lead going into half time 33-21.

In the second half, the Eagles made an attempt to pull away, although the Cavaliers made a run of their own with 13 consecutive points, turning the score into 48-44 with about ten minutes left to play.

A layup made by Davis stopped the Cavaliers’ streak and allowed the Eagles to continue their lead 63-57. Throughout the final five minutes of the game, AU never lost their lead despite the Cavs’ attempt to bring the score to only a two points difference.

The Eagles look to their next opponent, Malone, who stands at 2-16 in the GLIAC and 5-16 overall.

“They have a lot of seniors and it is surprising what their record is,” said Ellenwood. “They are a scary team. They have a team that is hungry but they are struggling a little bit to finishing a game off. Hopefully when they get here, we take care of business at our place.”

Securing last night’s win give the Eagles a great chance to make the GLAIC tournament and adding a few more wins will allow the team to possible host a game in the post season.

“We have not hosted a first round game in a while,” said Ellenwood. “That is our next goal and of course make the NCAA tournament.”

The Eagles will return to Kates’ Gym for their next three games. Their first matchup on Saturday versus the Malone Pioneers will begin at 3 p.m.