The Ashland University men’s basketball team won their third and fourth straight games over the weekend on Nov. 22 and 23 respectively. In their third victory, they took down the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks 82-80. Then the next afternoon, they defeated the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 87-79.
Against IUP, the Eagles were led by their two leaders, redshirt senior forward Maceo Williams and redshirt junior guard Cooper Davis. Williams, the reigning Great Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year, scored a game-high 25 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds. He shot 8-for-11 from the field and a crisp 9-for-10 from the free throw line. Davis scored 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
For the second consecutive game, Ashland got major contributions from redshirt freshmen guards Jordan Edwards and Max Dawson. Edwards had his second double digit assist game in a row, dishing off 12 assists to go along with seven
points and six rebounds. Dawson scored 13 points off the bench, knocking down 3-of-4 from three point range.
IUP had four double digit scorers, led by guard Christian Moore’s 18 points. This game was played very evenly, with neither team leading by more than seven at any point.
The game went all the way down to the end, with the Eagles leading 82-79 with IUP’s Kymani Merraro at the free throw line for two shots with six seconds left in regulation. Merraro made the first free throw to cut the lead down to 82-80 before intentionally missing the second free throw to try and give his team another chance. The Crimson Hawks got the offensive rebound, allowing them one more final possession. Unfortunately for them, Moore missed a layup at the buzzer, giving Ashland the 82-80 victory.
The next day against Pitt-Johnstown, the Eagles gained some separation near the end of the first half against the Mountain Cats. Ashland led 47 to 38 at the halftime break, then held onto that cushion for the remainder of the game to come out with the 87-79 win.
The Eagles had five players score ten points or more, led by Williams’ 20 points and 13 rebounds. Davis chipped in 17 points and five three-pointers, Edwards had an all-around 16 point, 6 rebound 8 assist output.
Ashland will return home for their next game on Nov. 29 to face the Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles at 1 p.m. For more on the Eagles, you can visit goashlandeagles.com.
