A cold end to the game doomed the Hillsdale College men's basketball team in Ohio Saturday afternoon.
Ashland University shot the ball very well from the field, 3-point territory and the free throw line in an 86-76 win over the Chargers Saturday afternoon at the Kates Gymnasium. The loss drops Hillsdale to 7-9 overall and 3-7 in the GLIAC.
Early in the second half, Hillsdale put together an impressive string of offense and led by as many as five points, 60-55. But the Eagles, who shot 63 percent for the game, responded with made baskets from what seemed like every spot on the floor, and used an 8-0 run to change momentum and take the lead for good.
Even though the Eagles had a red-hot shooting game, the Chargers weren't bad themselves, connecting on 52 percent of their shots (28-for-54), while going 13-for-15 from the free throw line. But Ashland was even better from the charity stripe, going 22-for-24, ensuring Hillsdale couldn't mount a late rally in the game's final minute.
Both teams combined for just 43 total rebounds, a testament to how well each team shot it.
Senior center Nick Archer was a go-to player on offense throughout for the Chargers, and responded with a team-high 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field. He also collected eight rebounds to lead Hillsdale.
Junior Ryan Badowski had 13 points in his second game back after illness. Junior Stedman Lowry added 12, and crossed the 900-point threshold for his career.
Sophomore guard Nate Neveau had 10 points and six assists, while senior Rhett Smith added 9.
UP NEXT: Hillsdale returns home Thursday, hosting Walsh University at 8 p.m.