By Danielle Cherry
Down in the first half, the Cedarville University men’s basketball team never gave up fighting for the ball. Playing against Northwood, home to the top-three scorers in the whole GMAC conference, the Jackets had to turn up the heat to pull out a win.
Speed was key. Northwood shot through the Jackets’ defense, gaining a quick lead. With every turnover, Northwood was relentless in pursuing the ball and the hoop. While Northwood set the pace, the Jackets fumbled behind with the ball, looking uneasy and uncertain.
“The slow start wasn’t as much on offense as it was on defense,” head coach Rob Jones said. “We had a hard time slowing them down and getting a stop.”
Defense was scrappy, with players leaving holes in the paint for Northwood to blow right through. Yet the aggression never let up, firing up the Jackets even though they were down.
While the defense was lagging, shots from Anthony Ruffolo went through the hoop smooth as butter. Breaking through the Timberwolves defense was not easy, but Ruffolo’s agility outpaced the Wolves, allowing for wrap-around shots to fall.
“We pride ourselves on taking care of the ball,” Ruffolo said. “When we are not turning over the ball, it’s because we are making the right play.”
With a shaky start, the Jackets had a lot of ground to cover in the first half, fighting to bridge the gap in the six-point difference. It didn’t help that, for a time, every time Cedarville scored, Northwood would come tearing down the court quickly in transition, leaving the Jackets in their wake.
Northwood freshman Parker Day was lighting up the hoop, evading the defense and plugging holes through Cedarville’s defense. But when Sam Johnson flew from the ground and blocked a ball midair, Northwood was in trouble.
Curtis Blair III was quick to follow suit, reaching up and swatting the ball right out of his opponent’s hands. The Jackets totaled six blocks during the game, with Johnson making up half of them.
As Performance Dogs of Ohio graced Cedarville with their frisbee-catching-doggy-talent during halftime, the Jackets were stirring up their comeback, bridging the gap at the half 47-46, which was once as high as 10. With renewed spirits and a fire within them backed by the crowd, the Jackets came out with a speed that maybe even the dogs were amazed by.
The money was in the three-point shots, pairing well with the night’s promotion: Tees4Threes. For every three-point bucket made, the cheerleaders tossed a free t-shirt into the crowd. Jaylen Davis lit it up from downtown, scoring 15 off threes, and he ended the night with 23 points. As Davis took the outside, Ruffolo drove the basket, scoring 29.
“Believing in ourselves and believing in each other, we get those threes, and it makes a difference,” Davis said.
Their physicality and speed shut down Northwood, even in the midst of many fouls called to Northwood’s advantage. The Jackets made every second count defensively as Northwood’s shot clock ran to zero.
“I thought our physicality and our aggression was terrific—as good as it has been all season,” Jones said.
While both teams shot around 50% from the field, the Jackets’ defense in the second half burned out Northwood. While Northwood would inch closer and closer to the home team’s lead, the court turned heated with every foul called and shot missed.
But breakaway after breakaway, the Jackets kept their lead, finishing with 101 points. Defeating the 11-7 Northwood is not just a win, but a testament to the Jackets’ increasing skills, finally overcoming their own three-game losing streak.
Northwood came out strong, but the Jackets never slowed down, finishing with 101. Their grit and confidence in one another allowed them to soar. Although I have to say, the puppies at the halftime show did it with more flair.
Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves to travel, play volleyball and really loves doggy halftime shows.
No Replies to "Cedarville beats Northwood in a speed run to the finish"