Box Score ASHLAND, Ohio – The Eagles scrapped and clawed to stay within striking distance against Northwood on Thursday (Dec. 16) night at Kates Gymnasium, but they were never able to get over the hump in an 89-80 loss.
The Eagles (4-4, 1-3 GLIAC) trailed for most of the game, but Northwood (3-8, 2-3 GLIAC) never led by more than seven points in the second half. Ashland pulled within one point in the five-and-a-half minutes, but could not get the basket to put it over the top.
Senior forward Kale Richardson (Carroll, Ohio/Bloom-Carroll) led the Eagles with 19 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.
The Timberwolves took a 32-21 lead in the first half, but the Eagles ralled for an 11-point run to tie the game at 32-32.
Again, though, it was the Timberwolves who would stay on the plus-side for the remainder of the half, taking a 38-37 lead into the intermission.
Ashland briefly took just its second lead of the game with 17:47 to play in the second half on a three-pointer by senior guard Ryan Janer (Bay City, Mich./University of Detroit) that gave AU a 42-41 advantage. Northwood's Cameron Joyce hit a three-pointer on the other end in response.
The Eagles continued to respond to Northwood's baskets, but could not come up with the play that would allow them to play from ahead.
Ashland trailed by one, 79-78, with two minutes left, but Bobby Lewis converted a three-point play to give NU a four-point lead.
On the ensuing possession, Ashland guard David Harris (Cincinnati, Ohio/Florida) missed a three-pointer. Lewis hit one of two free throws on the next possession to take an 83-78 lead, but Janer's three attempt missed and Andrew VanDeirenDonck gave the 'Wolves a six-point lead after splitting free throws.
Ashland guard Ronnie Steward (Columbus, Ohio/Akron) knocked down a jumper with 51 seconds left, but the Timberwolves hit 5-of-6 free throws down the stretch to close it out.
Sophomore center Evan Yates (Cincinnati, Ohio/Walnut Hills) had 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting with seven rebounds. Senior forward Justin Garris (Ledgewood, N.J./NJIT) had 13 points in 20 minutes off the bench and had two blocks and two steals.
Lewis paced the Timberwolves with game-highs of 25 points and nine rebounds. he was 12-for-15 from the line. Northwood was 28-for-40 at the stripe as a team. VanDierenDonck had 17 points and six rebounds, while Bobby Gibson added 15 points and six boards.
Northwood out-rebounded the Eagles, 45-35, and shot 48 percent from the field. The Eagles were held to 40 percent shooting for the night.
The Eagles return to the floor on Sunday (Dec. 19) afternoon at Kates Gymnasium against No. 10 Hillsdale (10-0, 4-0 GLIAC). The Chargers beat the Eagles, 69-65, in Hillsdale on Dec. 2.
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