MEN’S BASKETBALL

The HU men’s basketball team added another win to the 2021 portion of their schedule by topping Saint Xavier 74-61 on New Year’s Eve at Platt Arena in the last non-conference contest of the season. Tonight’s W sends the Foresters into the new year with a 13-3 record and riding an eight-game win streak.

Huntington has racked up an impressive 20-2 non-conference record which includes going undefeated at home since Alford took over the reins last winter.

On this given night, it was HU’s defense in the final 20 minutes that earned them the win as evidenced by giving up a mere 28 points in the second frame. After playing to a 33-33 tie at the midway point, the Foresters locked down defensively to get ten consecutive stops, that included forcing six turnovers, to open the second half.

Huntington put up nine points during SXU’s five-minute scoring drought which was the start of a 17-3 run that gave the hosts a 50-35 lead with 13 minutes remaining. It was the first of two 15-point spreads with the second coming at the seven-minute mark when Caleb Middlesworth dropped in his third three of the night for a 61-46 difference.

The Cougars fired right back to rip off seven points in just over 60 seconds to keep things interesting. By the 3:35 mark, Saint Xavier had dwindled their deficit to six at 64-58 but HU put the brakes on any sort of comeback the guests were scheming. Hank Pulver scored on the next possession. It sparked a 10-3 run to close out the game that included Lane Sparks knocking down four straight freebies in the final minute of play.

Four of Alford’s starters finished in double figures and tallied at least five rebounds. Middlesworth and Zach Goodline each tossed in 15 points and corralled six boards to lead the pack. Goodline also handed out eight dimes and swiped four steals.

Ben Humrichous finished with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists while Pulver carded ten points, six boards and three assists. Sparks also landed in double digits by tallying 12 points off the bench.

Eleven of the Foresters’ 28 field goals were from deep. It’s the eighth time this season Huntington has posted at least ten three-pointers in a game. As a team, HU shot 43.8 percent from the field while SXU finished 25-for-60 for 41.7 percent from the floor.

Tonight was HU’s first game since December 20. “It’s always difficult coming out of Christmas break but I thought we were able to settle in in the second half and execute much better on both ends of the floor,” noted Coach Kory Alford.

“We had well-balanced scoring tonight. I thought everyone contributed and played hard. Our next four opponents are ranked in the top 25 so we’re excited for these upcoming opportunities in Crossroads play.”

Next up for the Foresters is a trip to #25 Saint Francis on Tuesday. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.