HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team held Huntington University in check in the second half on the way to a 61-57 win on Saturday afternoon.
Over the final 20 minutes, the No. 9 ranked Cougars limited the Foresters to just 27 percent (9-for-33) shooting and 22 points – the fewest in a half for HU this season.
The win keeps SAU at the top of the Crossroads League standings, improving to 5-1 in league play. Four teams are currently tied for second place with 4-2 records.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: No. 9 Spring Arbor 61, Huntington 57
LOCATION: Platt Arena | Huntington, Ind.
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 15-3 (5-1 CL), Huntington 12-6 (2-4 CL)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Huntington led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but a 7-2 run by Spring Arbor to close out the period cut the deficit to seven, 35-28, at halftime. Paul Marandet scored five of the team's final seven points of the half.
- The Cougars carried that momentum into the second half with an 11-2 run to start the stanza, capped by a three-pointer from Luke Barber to put SAU in front 39-37.
- The game remained close the rest of the way. Spring Arbor trailed 57-54 with 2:32 remaining when Tom Hamilton buried a clutch three to tie the score. Then, on the team's ensuing possession, Marandet scored to put SAU on top.
- Huntington had a couple more chances, but the Cougars came up with two big stops to clinch the win.
FOR THE COUGARS
- Marandet stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
- Brandon Durnell, Barber and Hamilton all scored 12 points. Durnell also hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds to record his third double-double of the season. Jeff Beckman had eight points and eight boards with three blocks.
- Spring Arbor shot 43 percent (24-for-56) on the afternoon. The Cougars attempted just seven free throws, tying their season-low.
FOR THE FORESTERS
- Huntington was led by Caleb Middlesworth and Konner Platt, who combined for 35 points of the team's 57 points.
- After shooting 45 percent from the field in the first half, the Foresters were held to 27 percent in the second half and finished at 36 percent (23-for-64). HU attempted only six free throws.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor's next three games will be against NAIA Top 25 ranked opponents. The Cougars begin the stretch with a trip to No. 5 Mount Vernon Nazarene University (16-2, 4-2 CL) on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. from Ariel Arena.
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