Box Score
Trying to keep up with twins is difficult. Attempting to control triples is exhausting.
The Ashland University men's basketball team wasn't babysitting on Saturday (Jan. 5) at Michigan Tech, but what holds true for parenting can sometimes be applied to basketball.
At SDC Gymnasium on Saturday, the Eagles ran into a red-hot Michigan Tech team that executed exceptionally well on the offensive end of the floor. In the first half, Tech shot 18-of-31 (58.1 percent) from the floor. From three-point range in the first half, MTU made 7-of-11 shots (63.6 percent).
Twins, triples, they all added up to a 46-29 lead for Tech at halftime. The second half didn't get much better for the Eagles, who lost to the Huskies, 81-59.
This was Ashland's second consecutive loss and third straight setback in GLIAC play. The Eagles are 4-7, 2-6 within the conference. MTU has won seven consecutive games and is 10-2, 7-1 in conference action.
Even when they have struggled this season, the Eagles have played well defensively and rarely let the game's tempo get away from them. The Huskies were able to give the Eagles all kinds of trouble. Inside, senior forward Ali Haidar finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Haidar was 11-for-19 from the floor. Haidar was the GLIAC player of the year last season and he has a good shot of receiving that award again this year.
Outside, guard Austin Armga had 26 points and four assists. In the first half, guard Alex Culy was 3-for-4 from three-point range. All nine of his points came in the first half. Guard Ben Stelzer also had three triples and nine points.
For the game, Tech shot 32-of-56 from the field (57 percent) and was 9-of-19 on three-point attempts (47.4 percent). Only one team this season – Wayne State with 83 points – put up more points against AU this season than Michigan Tech.
Ashland got a double-double from junior forward Will Evans (Lexington, Ky./Christian Academy). Evans had 14 points and 10 rebounds. This was his first twin killing of the season and both of those totals are season highs.
Senior guard David Harris (Cincinnati, Ohio/Florida) scored 13 points. Sophomore guards Brook Turson (Plymouth, Ohio/Columbus State) and Cole Krizancic (Mentor, Ohio) scored 10 points apiece.
Up next for AU is a game at Walsh next Thursday (Jan. 10, 6 p.m.).
AU
MBB/ALK
