Cedarville snaps a five-game losing skid, upsetting Ashland

By Evan Martens

Coaches yelling, players diving: both teams wanted this game. Cedarville University’s men’s basketball team needed to get back in the win column, and Ashland University was trying to stay atop the GMAC. Ultimately, the Jackets handily took the victory, 74-62. 

From the beginning, it was clear the game would be a battle. Most of the first half was back and forth—bucket for bucket.

Jaylen Davis made a three-pointer, and the Eagles came right back and hit one. Cedarville got to the free throw; Ashland made it to the line.

It was not until about seven minutes left that the Yellow Jackets pulled ahead, using the momentum of the crowd to get it going. Everything started to fall.

But it was not just due to their shot-making. The defensive energy was different, shifting to a 1-3-1 zone.

“I thought our change in defense was really good,” head coach Rob Jones said. 

The Jackets showed a tremendous amount of effort on defense, tightly contesting each of Ashland’s shots.

Due to this, the team had six first-half steals, with an additional two blocks and countless deflections. The Jackets ended the last five minutes of the half on a 14-2 run, heading into the locker room with a 38-29 lead.

But the big question coming out of half, could Cedarville keep potential GMAC player of the year Maceo Williams quiet? On the other hand, how could Ashland take care of the ball a little better?

Out of the half, the Eagles’ energy was different. They brought out a full-court press in need of a comeback.

“We had some lapses in the second half… I thought the guys did a good job responding and going on to the next possession,” Jones said. 

Due to Ashland’s aggression, the Yellow Jackets began to live at the free throw line, ending the game with 30 free throws compared to Ashland’s 15. Senior guard Ethan Sellars pointed to their success in getting to the free-throw line:

“Just [by] being aggressive… winning that physicality battle,” Sellars said.

Even with Ashland’s aggression, the Jackets took the lead before half and never looked back. They played with great movement on the offensive side and discipline on the defensive side.

Ashland tried to show some life to end the game, making multiple three pointers under four minutes left and a few inbound steals. Maceo Williams, being the player he is, tried to get hot multiple times, and even with a solid game of 17 points and 11 rebounds, it was never enough.

Though neither team’s shooting was stellar, it came down to the rebounds, where once again the Jackets showed their physicality, winning the battle 38 to 28.

Anthony Ruffolo led the team with 19 points, with Jaylen Davis close behind with 16. Sam Johnson also finished with 9 points and 10 rebounds.

With this, the Jackets won 74-62, snapping their losing streak before they start a 3-game road trip next week, starting off against Northwood on Saturday. 

Evan Martens is a freshman broadcasting journalism major with a minor in business marketing. He loves playing any and all sports and going to the gym.