Lourdes Closes Out Late To Beat Eagles

Lourdes Closes Out Late To Beat Eagles

The Ashland University men's basketball team lost to visiting Lourdes, 62-59, on Friday (Dec. 20) night at Kates Gymnasium as the Eagles dropped their fourth straight game.

Lourdes came in as the No. 14-ranked team in NAIA Division II.

Lourdes reserve Mike Bruce, playing in his first game of the season, scored 17 of his game-high 23 points in the second half as he hit three straight 3-pointers to give the visitors a 44-40 lead with 10:40 to play.

The teams then traded the lead multiple times in the next few minutes and an off-balance 3-pointer by senior guard Rodrick Caldwell tied the game at 53 with four minutes to play.

Kenny Coleman responded on the Gray Wolves' next possession with his own 3-pointer to give them a 56-53 lead.

The Eagles (6-4) had it down to one point on three occasions, including after a bucket by senior center Drew Noble with 12 seconds remaining.

Clif Snow hit two free throws on the other end and Noble's 3-pointer at the buzzer was off target to send Lourdes (11-3) out with the win.

Noble led the Eagles with 20 point and eight rebounds while freshman guard Brandon Haraway scored a career-best 18 points, going 9-for-9 from the line. Redshirt-junior wing Aaron Thompson finished with 10 points and eight boards as the third AU player in double figures.

The Gray Wolves shot 46 percent (22-for-48) from the field while holding the hosts to just 39 percent (20-for-52) shooting. Ashland was 16-for-17 from the free throw line.

The Eagles will return to action on Sunday (Dec. 22) for their final game before Christmas break. They will battle Penn State Shenango at 3 p.m. at Kates Gymnasium.

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