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THE TURNING POINT: Up 35-34 early in the second half, Ashland went on a 28-9 run to pull away.
STAT OF THE GAME: The Eagles had four double-double scorers in a game for the second time in 2016-17.
Ashland University's men's basketball team improved to 4-1 thanks to a third consecutive victory, an 80-67 decision over California (Pa.) on Tuesday (Nov. 22) night at Kates Gymnasium.
The Eagles have won 27 straight non-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference games at home going back to the start of the 2009-10 campaign.
Ashland received balanced scoring, with four players in double figures and seven players with at least six points. Sophomore point guard Ben Haraway led the way with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, and added three rebounds, four assists and four steals.
In five games so far this fall, Haraway is averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest.
"I think he's getting better every time," Ashland head coach John Ellenwood said of Haraway.
"I think I'm getting there," said Haraway of his comfort level after five games since coming off redshirt. "I think I'm pretty comfortable out there. I'm learning my role pretty well. I'm excited for the season."
Sophomore guard Nick Bapst posted 15 points off the bench, senior guard Boo Osborne added 14 points, six boards and five assists and junior forward Marsalis Hamilton had 10 points and five boards.
Senior guard Adrian Cook racked up nine points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals, while the center tandem of junior Teddy Metzen and freshman Drew Noble combined for 12 points and nine caroms.
"That's definitely our strength. Any one of our guys can go off on any given night, so that's very special," Haraway said. "I've never been on a team where it's been like that."
Said Ellenwood, "That's what we have to do. We have to be as balanced as possible, and just continue to move the basketball around. That's going to be the key."
Ashland out-rebounded the Vulcans, 40-31, and turned 14 California turnovers into 17 points.
At the half, the Eagles led 35-32. It was a 35-34 game early in the second half before Ashland went on a 28-9 run to pull away.
"Adrian played really well, got us going, got some easy buckets, pushed the tempo," Ellenwood said.
UP NEXT: The 2016-17 GLIAC opener on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Superior State.
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