Following a modest two-game losing streak at home, Ashland University's men's basketball team gutted out a 79-74 victory over Thomas More on Saturday (Jan. 27) afternoon at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium.
 
The Eagles improve to 13-6 overall and 7-5 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and move to 8-2 at home in 2023-24. The Saints are 12-9, 7-6.
 
"We needed it. This league's tough," said Ashland head coach John Ellenwood. "It's a tough time of year, but you've got to gut it out."
 
Saturday's player of the game was sophomore forward Maceo Williams, who dominated the post to the tune of career-highs in points (34), blocks (two, tied), free throws made (12) and free throws attempted (13).
 
"I've just been playing my game from the post," Williams said. "I just kept going and going until they started doubling. And I just kept playing my game, and stay humble. They (my teammates) push me to be great every day. I love these guys. It's not just me."
 
Said Ellenwood, "Maceo's a special player, but he's a team player. He just keeps getting better. Some of those games, he's tough to stop. I've always loved coaching post players, and he's a special one."
 
In the last five games, Williams is averaging 22.6 points per game, and making 72.1 percent from the field. He also is 19-for-20 from the free-throw line in the last three contests.
 
"Last year, I was terrible from the free-throw line," Williams noted. "I've been working on them every day. I take a little more time."
 
Saturday's victory also was Ashland's 1,300^th all-time (1,300-1,080).
 
A high-scoring opening portion of the game saw seven lead changes and three ties – and an 18-15 Saints lead at the first media timeout. Thomas More then scored five straight points out of the timeout to force Ashland to call another one.
 
The Saints' biggest first-half lead was 33-21, then the Eagles mounted a comeback by scoring the next seven points. Ashland kept coming, and out of the under-four media stoppage, Williams hit two free throws, for 16 points in the first 17 minutes, to put the Eagles ahead at 36-35.
 
By halftime, Ashland's 22-4 run to close out play gave it a 43-37 lead. Williams' 16 points and junior wing Stefan Stanic's 10 provided most of the Eagles' first-half scoring, and the Eagles made 58.1 percent from the field and turned the ball over just three times in the first 20 minutes.
 
To start the second half, the Eagles extended their game-best lead to 55-41, and by that time, Williams had tied his career-high in points at 26. Thomas More used the trey to cut into the deficit, and it was cut to 63-59 before Stanic's driving layup put AU ahead by six with nine minutes to go.
 
Ashland continued to keep the Saints at arm's length, and free throws were the catalyst – the Eagles were 18-for-21 from the foul line in the second half, and 23-for-28 in the game.
 
POST-GAME NUGGETS

• Joining Williams in double-digit scoring on Saturday were sophomore point guard Simon Wheeler (16 points, six assists, three steals, 10-of-11 from the foul line), Stanic (14 points, five rebounds, four blocks, 6-of-8 from the field), and junior guard Trevell Adams (10 points, seventh time with double-digit points in last 10 games).
• The Eagles made 54.0 percent from the field, and scored 14 points on seven Saints turnovers.
• Ashland is 5-2 all-time vs. Thomas More.

 
UP NEXT
Wednesday (Jan. 31) at 7:30 p.m. vs. Northwood to conclude the five-game homestand.