MEN’S BASKETBALL

On the road for the first time this season, the HU men’s basketball team extended their win streak to five with a 96-68 win over Lawrence Tech (2-1) Tuesday evening at the Don Ridler Field House. The Foresters are a perfect 5-0 which proves the best start in program history since 2013-14 when Huntington won its first 14 games.

It was the tale of two halves for Alford and crew with defense the difference-maker. After giving up 43 points in the opening half for a one-point lead by the midway point, the Foresters surrendered just 25 points in the second period to run away with the contest.

The Blue Devils torched the nets at 58.1 percent (18-for-31) in the first frame before HU clamped down defensively to limit LTU to a mere eight field goals on 25.8 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes. The Foresters made a statement as soon as they stepped onto the hardwood after intermission by allowing their hosts just three points through the first six minutes.

“At halftime we talked a lot about our defensive intensity,” said Coach Alford. “We struggled with their off the ball cutting in the first half, so we made the adjustment to switch everything and the pay-off was immediate. Defense turned things around for us.”

At the other end of the floor, Huntington kept the Blue Devils guessing. When they weren’t knocking down a long ball, they were scoring in the paint. HU drained four threes and had just as many layups during the six-minute 20-3 thrashing for a 64-46 advantage. The lead never dipped below 15 points after that on the way to the lopsided final.

While the Foresters’ defense was heroic, their offensive fortitude was also was worth noting. As a team, HU handed out 23 assists while committing just three miscues, all in the first half. Alford’s crew connected on nearly 51 percent of their fields goals which included going 18-for-40 from deep.

Contributions were wide-spread with Zach Goodline topping the list with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Caleb Middlesworth added 15 points while Hank Pulver finished with 13. Peyton West was solid across the board by posting nine points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Alford was particularly impressed with his back court. “Zach and Peyton’s guard play was great tonight. They did a fantastic job of pushing the ball in transition. They were also key to our defensive success in the second half.”

Joel Dyer and Mitchell Wilson came off the bench to toss in 11 and ten points respectively. Bench play favored the Foresters 27-11 which included a 13-3 run in the final five minutes of play.

“Joel and Mitchell gave us great energy off the bench,” said Alford. “I was extremely happy with how our bench closed out the game.

“Overall, tonight we played how we always want to play – fast and up-tempo while sharing the ball well.”

Next up for the Foresters is the Terry Polston Hoops for Hope Classic hosted by Grace College. HU will face Shawnee State at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Grace Christian at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.