The Ashland University men’s basketball team played host to the Thomas More Saints on Feb. 5. In the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) matchup, Ashland did not give up their lead from the start. 

During the opening minutes, the Eagles set the tone for the game, taking a 19-8 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. However, it did not take long for the Saints to respond. Only four minutes later, the once 11-point lead was cut down to three points after a Thomas More layup. 

By halftime, Ashland remained with a lead, but by only five points with a score of 31-26. 

After the break, the second half looked similar to the end of the first, with the Saints keeping it close. Five minutes into the second half, Thomas More guard Ryan Paris hit a three pointer to tie the game at 37. 

This is where the Eagles turned up their pace, as they then pushed the ball to score four quick points, regaining the lead. The remainder of the game the Eagles kept up the intensity, and despite some three pointers made by the Saints down the stretch, were ultimately able to pull away with the six-point win. 

Leading the way for the Eagles was redshirt senior forward Maceo Williams, who scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Along with Williams, Ashland had help from sophomore forward Jason Moore (14 points, five rebounds), and redshirt-freshman guard Jordan Edwards (11 points, three rebounds, four assists). 

Ashland now grows their win streak to four games and looks forward to their next matchup against the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. Tipoff for that contest is set for 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 7, inside of Kate’s Gymnasium