The last time the University of Cincinnati – Clermont’s men’s basketball team faced Andrews University, the ensuing 11-point loss helped keep the team out of the USCAA tournament.
The Cougars wouldn’t let that happen again.
UC Clermont obliterated Andrews 94-63 late on Saturday, November 16, picking up win number three in the week.
The game was close early. UC Clermont led by two at halftime, but a change of scheme defensively helped the team pull ahead in the second half.
“We kept mixing our defenses,” head coach Steve Ellis said. “The defense became our offense. We were getting easy buckets on the other end.”
The team’s offense was galavanized by West Clermont grad John Aicholtz, who finished with 23 points and four rebounds. Aicholtz made his living at the mid-range area near the free-throw line, connecting on 11 of 14 field goals in the game.
“That was the difference,” Ellis said. “That’s his spot. He’s kind of old-school. The way today’s game is, it’s all about dunks and threes. No one shoots the mid-range shot anymore, but John does. That’s what he can do.”
The Cougars also got a boost off the bench from Tyler Stewart, who finished the game with 17 points on seven of nine shooting from the field. He also connected on three shots from behind the three-point line.
“Tyler can make shots,” Ellis said. “He’s getting more confident. He hasn’t reached his potential yet, we’re anxious to see how far he can go.”
Three other Cougars finished in double-diftures for the game. Noah Pedelty tallied 14 points, with David Hunter adding 12. Greg Marsh finished with 11.
Pedelty led the Cougars in rebounds with nine, eight defensive. Aicholtz grabbed seven. Marsh had six of the team’s 16 assists.
Joshua Fitzpatrick led Andrews with 18 points. Naina Mazava added 12 off the bench.
Both teams finished with exactly 30 rebounds. In the loss to the Cardinals last season, UC Clermont gave up 37 rebounds.
“[That loss is] one of the reasons we didn’t make the tournament last year,” Ellis said. “We got down early, pressed and came back. That’s a really good team. They made it to the final four last year, a team like that, that’s a good win for us.”
Less than 24 hours later, UC Clermont returned to the court at the Cougar Dome to take on Penn State Fayette. Aicholtz again led the team, tallying 23 points. Marsh finished with 20 points and seven assists, while Pedelty added 19.
Hunter led the Cougars with 12 rebounds to pick up the team’s fourth win of the week.
UC Clermont hits the road for four straight games, starting with a contest against Miami Hamilton on November 20. The team’s next home matchup is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, against Wright State Lake at 3 p.m.