Bulldogs sink Eagles in overtime

WILMORE, Ky. – Asbury overcame an early 14-point deficit but squandered a 10-point second half lead in an 88-86 overtime loss to Tennessee Wesleyan.  E’Jay Ward hit the game winner for the Bulldogs with four seconds left.

The Eagles had lost to Tennessee Wesleyan back on October 30th to begin the season by 42 points, and were able to bounce back with a strong showing on Saturday.  Phillip Morrison and Adam Delph led the comeback efforts for Asbury as they combined for 30 of the team’s 36 first half points.  Morrison finished with 26 and Delph had 20 in the game.

Asbury (1-3) shot 46% from the floor and hit 10 from outside the arc including six in the second half.  Morrison and Brock Hurtle made three each, Hurtle finished with 13 points.  Morrison tied the game with just over a minute left in regulation after the Bulldogs turned a 10 point deficit into a four point lead with 2:26 left.  Neither team could score in the final 1:10 of regulation.

The Bulldogs (3-2) jumped out to a five point lead in the overtime period with 1:37 remaining before the Eagles mounted one final rally.  Morrison hit a three and Justin Jones made a lay-up after a steal by Delph with 21 seconds left.  That set up Ward for the game winner with four seconds left as he shook a defender and pulled up for a 17 foot jumper. 

Asbury was out rebounded 45-33 in the game, Morrison and Flip Crawford led the Eagles with five each.  Matt Towry led the Bulldogs with eight rebounds and 22 points.  Justin Jones finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for the Eagles.  Nate Johnson led Asbury with six assists.

The Eagles will head to Owensboro on Thursday for an exhibition against Kentucky Wesleyan at 7:30 pm.  Asbury’s next regular season game won’t come until November 29th when they take on Campbellsville University at Gallatin County High School.