The Ashland Eagles’ men’s basketball team split their first two home games of the 2024-25 season over the weekend at the 2024 Ashland University Classic.
On Saturday, November 16th, the Eagles went against the Miami University Middletown Thunderhawk’s in Kate’s Gymnasium, coming away with a lopsided 100-49 victory. This was the first 100+ point performance by Ashland since December 28, 2023, also against Miami Middletown.
After an early 16-15 advantage for the visiting Thunderhawk’s, the Eagles outscored Miami Middletown 85-33 the rest of the way.
Offensively, Ashland was led by Redshirt Junior Forward Maceo Williams with 28 points, who went perfect from the field, making all 13 of his shot attempts. This was one of the most efficient performances in program history.
The most electric basket came in the final minute of the first half, when Senior Transfer Guard Gbolahan Adio connected with Williams on a beautiful alley-oop play in transition.
The Eagles also saw Redshirt Sophomore Aden Gregory go for a career high 19 points on a crisp 8-9 shooting.
On the defensive end, the Eagles forced 23 Thunderhawk turnovers, which led to 32 points at the other end. Adio picked off 3 steals while five other Eagles grabbed 2 steals.
Miami Middletown, now winless 0-7 on the season, was led by Freshman Guard Sean Caldwell with 13 points and Freshman Wing Jamison Rountree, who scored ten.
On Sunday Nov. 17 the Eagles lost a heartbreaking thriller to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks 75-72.
Once again, the Eagles looked impressive in the first half, going into the break with a 43-36 advantage on the scoreboard. Ashland shot 60 percent from the field and made three of their 7 attempts from beyond the arc. However, the Hawks were able to stay in the game with their long-distance shooting, knocking down 8 triples in the first half alone. That carried over in the second half of the game, as IUP finished the game with 15 of 36 from downtown, compared to just four of 16 by Ashland. The Crimson Hawks outscored the Eagles 39-29 in the final 20 minutes.
This contest came down to the final seconds. With the score all even at 72 after a couple of Williams free throws; however, IUP had possession of the basketball in their frontcourt with 6 seconds remaining.
Out of a Crimson Hawk timeout, Junior Guard Christian Moore caught the inbounds feed from Sophomore Sarp Furtun and buried a right wing three-pointer with four seconds remaining to give IUP a 75-72 lead that they would not relinquish.
At the other end, Eagles Wing Cooper Davis was fouled on the floor, giving the Eagles a chance to cut into the lead. But Davis ended up missing both free throws, giving the Hawks their second straight victory.
Junior Transfer Jaron Crews led the Eagles in scoring with 22 points, going 9 for 13 from the field and 4 for 6 from the three-point line.
Swiss-army knife forward Stefan Stanic had an all-around game, finishing with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
IUP was led by Christian Moore with a game high 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, nailing 7 huge triples, including the game winner. Freshman Point Guard Kymani Merraro also was huge, going for 14 points, 3 rebounds, and a game-high 7 assists.
IUP goes to 2-2 on the young season, with their home opener on the horizon. The Crimson Hawks take on the Shippensburg Raiders on Friday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m.
Ashland is now 2-1 through their first three games. They will be right back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 20, when the Eagles face off against the Ferris State Bulldogs. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. from Kate’s Gymnasium.
