WATERTOWN, Wis.— Andrews University was too tough to take on Thursday night in Watertown, as the Cardinals pulled away for an 87-66 win over the Sabercats to sweep the season series.
Will Schultz led the Sabercats on the night, posting 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks; James Hawley added a season-high 16 points and 5 rebounds.
OVERVIEW
- Result: Maranatha 66-87 Andrews
- Venue: Main Gymnasium, Maranatha Baptist University
- Location: Watertown, Wis.
- Attendance: 189
- Records: MBU (3-20), AU (11-14)
STORY
The Sabercats couldn't seem to connect a shot in the opening half, as the stingy Cardinals defense kept the Sabercats to shooting less than 25 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes. The Sabercats went up 5-2 in the opening possessions, but a 19-0 Andrews run punished the Sabercats for turnovers and missed opportunities alike, and the visitors had full control of the game as the first half drew to a close.
Chris Orsello, Joe Shank, and James Hawley all connected from downtown to give the Sabercats a bit of new life again, and Hawley eventually connected three times from three-point range to get the Sabercats back to only an 8-point disadvantage entering halftime.
The Cardinals amped up their physicality and purpose in the second half, as the Sabercats would only come to within 11 points in the final act. Demarien Nichols was leading the way for Andrews with 25 points and Caleb Brasswell pitched in 24 . The Cardinals struggled to get anything going from distance (25% shooting) but had their pick of shots from close range, shooting almost 60 percent in the second half to take a decisive win over the Sabercats in the second and final matchup in the series..
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Maranatha Starters: 2- Cox (C), 13- Hawley, 21- Brock, 24- Orsello, 30- Schultz
STATS
- Box Score
- Last time: Andrews won 75-58 in Michigan in December
- Series: Andrews now has a 1-0 series lead against Maranatha.
OPPONENTS
- Andrews competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
- Andrews has secured their best record in five years as a program.
- Andrews finished the 23'-24' season with a record of 2-22.
NEXT
The Sabercats host Grace Christian University on Tuesday at 5:00 PM Central. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
