Asbury Holds on Despite Poor Shooting Night

WILMORE, Ky. – Asbury slogged their way through a 52-49 win over Berea on Tuesday night, their lowest point total in a win since January of 2005.  Asbury shot only 37% but Berea was even worse at 31%.

Asbury (19-7, 10-2 KIAC) struggled from outside all night, hitting only 4-of-22 from long distance, they average nearly eight made threes a game.  Berea slowed the game down purposely all night and gave the Eagles fits with their 2-3 zone.

The one time Asbury was able to get out and run they opened the second half on a 6-0 run, scoring six of their 10 fast break points in the game.  No team could ever pull away thanks in large part to the poor shooting performance.  There were eight ties and five lead changes, each team led by as much as seven.

Berea took their final lead of the game with 5:01 remaining at 49-48, but Adam Delph scored on the next possession and Phillip Morrison followed with a three to push the lead back to four.  Berea would cut the lead to one on two different occasions, the last with 2:05 remaining. 

With 25 seconds left Derek Davis missed a three out of an out-of-bounds play from the right corner, Justin Jones secured the rebound and Adam Delph would hit only one of two free throws.  Justin Jones would block a shot on the ensuing Berea possession but Delph was whistled for a travel as he secured the rebound.  Berea would again miss a three and Jamal Morris would knock down two free throws to seal it.  Berea would make a free throw and intentionally miss the second with four seconds left but Phillip Morrison secured the rebound to finish the game.

Delph and Morrison would each score 15 points to lead all scorers on the evening.  Jones grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked five shots.  Berea was led by Derek Davis with 13 points.

Asbury's 52 points are the fewest in a win since a 51-42 victory over Spalding on Janurary 11, 2005.  The 52 points is tied for the fewest scored this season with the opening game of the year, a 94-52 defeat at the hands of Tennessee Wesleyan.

Asbury will close out the regular season at Alice Lloyd on Thursday at 8:00 pm.  The Eagles will host a first round KIAC Tournament game on Tuesday February 22nd at 7:00 pm.