Box Score On Dec. 2, there were four undefeated men's basketball teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
After Ashland University's men's basketball team's 74-53 win over Hillsdale at Kates Gymnasium on Wednesday (Dec. 9) night, there's only one – and it's AU.
The No. 18-ranked Eagles (8-0 overall, 3-0 GLIAC) have toppled previously-unbeaten Grand Valley State, Ferris State and Hillsdale (5-1, 2-1) in a row, and have tied the third-best start to a season in program history.
"It's a special win," said Ashland head coach John Ellenwood. "Hillsdale's a great team. Guys executed the game plan great. We're a tough team to guard right now, and that's fun. I'm really proud of our guys on their effort on the defensive end."
Junior forward Wendell Davis was matched up with Hillsdale senior forward Kyle Cooper, the 2015-16 GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year. Davis finished with a game-high 20 points, a team-high-tying eight rebounds in addition to three assists, while going 8-for-13 from the floor and 4-for-4 from 3-point range.
Cooper ended the night with 13 points and four boards.
"It was a great opportunity," Davis said. "He's a great player. I respect him. Practice was what got us ready for them. We knew what type of screens were coming."
Davis heaped praise on the Eagle players who might be down the bench during a game, but come up big in practice and preparation.
"Those guys help out a tremendous amount. People don't talk about them. They see us play, but those guys work every day, and they sacrifice for us every day."
Sophomore forward Marsalis Hamilton posted 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while junior guard Boo Osborne added 11 points, five boards and four helpers.
Ashland's defense, one of the best in Division II in the early going, kept the Chargers to 40.8-percent shooting from the field and 18.8-percent shooting from the arc. The Eagles also had a decided 37-23 rebounding advantage, which included Hillsdale getting just one offensive rebound.
"That's outstanding for us. And I remember that one," Ellenwood said. "That's awesome that we did that. We need to keep boxing out. Great teams play defense. Championship teams rebound."
The Eagles came out of the gates by scoring the game's first 21 points over the first 5:27 of the contest. Ashland led by as much as 23 in the first half, took a 42-22 lead into halftime and didn't look back.
"I have so much respect for their coaching staff. We have some great coaches in this league," Ellenwood said. "Hillsdale…they have kicked our tail a lot. I'm sitting there thinking, 'I know he's working that hard,' because (Hillsdale head coach) John Tharp works that hard. I want to make sure my team is prepared. I want to make sure my guys aren't surprised."
The Eagles will play their second of three consecutive home games on Saturday (Dec. 12) at 3 p.m. against Saginaw Valley State (5-2, 2-0).
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