MARION, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team was held scoreless for nearly ten minutes in the first half and No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan University took advantage in a 72-51 victory over the Cougars on Saturday.
Despite more than an hour delay to the start of the game due to snow and strong winds forcing slow travel, Spring Arbor came out strong. The Cougars built a quick 7-2 lead after a perfect start from the field and free throw line, as well as playing solid defense, including a block from senior Tyler Hughes. However, after back-to-back free throws from freshman Zach Medendorp at the 17:49 mark, SAU would be held scoreless for the next 9:39, allowing the Wildcats to jump in front 20-7.
Indiana Wesleyan (26-2, 14-2 Crossroads League), who locked up at least a share of the Crossroads League championship with the win, continued to extend its lead and would take a 40-24 advantage into halftime.
The Cougars stayed within striking distance early in the second stanza, narrowing the deficit to 10, 50-40, following consecutive buckets from sophomore Caleb Hogans with 9:58 to play. Back-to-back three-pointers from the Wildcats, however, sparked a 16-2 run that put the game out of reach.
Spring Arbor shot 39 percent (19-for-49) from the field while Indiana Wesleyan connected on 56 percent (29-for-52) of its attempts, including 10-for-19 from three-point range. The Cougars out-rebounded IWU 31-27, and had 11 second chance points compared to the Wildcats' two.
Hughes paced the Cougars with nine points and nine rebounds while Greg Hamilton added eight points. Medendorp, Hogans and Collin Hewitt followed with seven points apiece.
Spring Arbor (12-16, 3-13 Crossroads League) will visit Marian University (16-12, 7-9 Crossroads League) on Tuesday, Feb. 17 before returning home to host Mount Vernon Nazarene University (16-12, 7-9 Crossroads League) on Saturday, Feb. 21 in the regular season finale.
- Follow Cougar Nation -
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Live Stream
