MADISON TOWNSHIP — Ashland’s first boys basketball victory of the season came in dramatic fashion.
Senior Eli White toed the free-throw line and drilled a pair of charity shots with 0.8 seconds remaining to lift the Arrows to a 54-52 Ohio Cardinal Conference win at Madison. It was appropriate the difference came at the stripe, Ashland outscored Madison 17-8 at the line for the game.
“It was a good solid basketball game, not a lot of turnovers,” Ashland coach Jason Hess said. “Both teams made clutch shots when they needed to and I’m just glad we were able to get our first win of the season.”
Madison enjoyed a 16-13 first-quarter edge, but Ashland fought back to forge a 28-28 halftime tie. The Rams regained the lead 43-40 heading to the final quarter.
Junior Luke Denbow notched 15 points for the Arrows’ offense. Mitchell Heilman and White both netted 12 points for the Arrows.
Tyler Tackett topped Madison with 17 points.
Ashland improved to 1-6 overall, 1-2 in the OCC. The Arrows travel to undefeated Wooster (9-0) on Friday, Jan. 10.
Madison falls to 3-7, 1-3. The Rams host Big Walnut (3-3) tonight..
