Eagles Rally Falls Short
Richmond, IN----The Asbury College Eagles suffered a tough loss on Thursday night, February 5th at Indiana University East, losing 87-70. This is the second loss to the Red Wolves in a span of two weeks as the Eagles fell at the Luce Center 82-75 back on January 23rd.
Asbury (15-8, 3-3 KIAC) was led by senior Michael Spann's 21 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 2-of-7 from beyond the three point line. Spann also led the team with eight rebounds and five assists. Sophomore Phillip Morrison was the only other Eagle in double figures with 12 points. Sophomore Jordan Hammonds was held to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting. Hammonds was 3-for-8 from three point range.
The Eagles went into halftime in a 36-21 hole thanks in most part to 25% shooting in the first half. Asbury would shoot better in the second half (49%) but the early deficit would be too much to overcome. Asbury would make a late rally and cut the lead to eight, but late turnovers would end any hope of a comeback.
IU-East would dominate the glass, winning the rebounding margin 54-37. The second biggest disparity would come at the free throw line where Asbury attempted four free throws, knocking down two, the Red Wolves would visit the charity stripe 32 times, hitting 21. Most of those attempts would come late as Asbury was fouling, but Asbury was whistled for 25 fouls and the Red Wolves only 7. IU-East was in the bonus in both halves. Asbury turned the ball over 16 times and would force 20 from the Red Wolves, most of them coming late in the game as the Eagles started to press.
Asbury will return home and host KIAC rival Berea College Saturday February 7th at 7pm in the Luce Center. That will be the final game of a triple-header with the women tipping things off at 2pm and the men's jayvee following at 4pm.
