SAU Survives Scare From Saints

2/4/06
Box Score
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The Fighting Bees had only lost to Ashford four times in their 45 meetings going into Saturday, but that doesn't mean the Saint's aren't competitive. Ashford gave SAU all they could handle, before the Fighting Bees walked away with a 77-76 victory.

The first half was very evenly matched, although SAU (14-12, 7-3) never trailed. Their biggest lead was eight points, but each time SAU would start to go on a run, Ashford had an answer, and closed the gap quickly. Ashford (5-19, 1-9) used their 57% shooting in the half to stay in the ball game. SAU didn't shoot badly either, making 47% of their shots, while taking a six point lead into halftime.

In the second half, things got a little more interesting. SAU took their largest lead of the game, 11 points, with just under 15 minutes to play. That's when Ashford made their move, whittling that lead down to one point on a jumper by Aaron Thais with under seven to play. Thais would get a layup their next time down the floor to give Ashford their first lead of the game. That was the theme of the second half, as Thais scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half.

The Saints used a 25-7 run to take a seven point lead, their biggest of the game, with four minutes remaining. SAU finally pulled even on a Will Howard layup with just over one minute left. Thais wasn't finished though, as he put in another layup to regain the lead. That lead would shift one more time, as SAU's Tyler Ryan hit the biggest shot of his SAU career, a three-pointer from the wing with 31 seconds left. Ashford had one more chance to win it, but Thais' desperation three-pointer was off the rim, and SAU escaped with the victory.

SAU was led by Andrew Bryant, who recorded his 14th double-double of the game, with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Washington added 18 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while also recording seven steals, six of which came in the first half.

Thais' had a stellar game, recording seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals, to go along with his 22 points. Nick Lawrence led all scorers with 23 points for the Saints. Travis Eversmeyer chipped in with 16 points and six boards.

SAU will remain home for their next game, as Grand View will pay them a visit. The Vikings are one game behind the Fighting Bees in the MCC standings. Game time is set for 7:30, and will be preceded by the women's contest.

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