Grand Valley State started the second half on an 18-0 run to stretch a one-point lead into a 45-26 advantage and the Ashland University men's basketball team was not able to dig out from the deficit in a 65-52 defeat on Friday (Jan. 15) afternoon at Kates Gymnasium.
The Eagles (1-3, 1-2 GLIAC) had the lead for 10 minutes in a first half that saw eight tie scores and four lead changes, but the Lakers took over in the second half.
Freshman guard
Hunter Shedenhelm hit a 3-pointer with 6:51 left in the first half to give the Eagles a 22-19 lead and sophomore guard
Brandon Haraway's steal and layup pushed it to 24-19.
The Eagles did not have a field goal in the final five minutes of the first half and then went scoreless for the first six minutes after halftime until a 3-pointer by senior guard
Bo Furcron cut the margin to 45-29.
"You have to find different ways to score against them," said head coach
John Ellenwood. "They do a great job with their athleticism and length that you're used to getting in practice against a practice team. We have to hit some shots. We had some open looks, I just don't think our guys were used to the speed. Against them, you're not going to get many good looks."
Grand Valley State (3-0, 3-0 GLIAC) led by as many as 21 points and Ashland had it down to eight points, 56-48, on three straight triples – two by Shedenhelm and one by sophomore guard
Ethan Conley. GVSU scored the next four points to stop the run and the margin stayed in double digits after that.
"They're consistent," Haraway said. "They're working to get the same looks, the same shots throughout the game. If we fall asleep, they take advantage of it every time. They know when a team is struggling and when to attack it."
Haraway led the Eagles with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals. Furcron added 11 points as the only other Eagle in double figures. Shedenhelm finished with nine points.
Christian Negron had a game-high 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks for the Lakers, who shot 50 percent (25-for-50) from the floor. Ashland shot 32 percent (18-for-60) in the game and went just 6-for-29 from 3-point range.
The Lakers had a 39-30 advantage on the glass.
The Eagles and Lakers will square off again on Saturday (Jan. 16) at 4 p.m. at Kates Gymnasium.
AU
MBB/BB
