ASHLAND — Lexington weathered a strong challenge from Ashland on Friday night, but the Minutemen hung tough to claim a 59-58 victory, clinching an outright Ohio Cardinal Conference crown in the process.
Coach Scott Hamilton’s squad improved to 17-3 overall, 11-1 in the OCC.
The Minutemen were put to a stringent test at Arrow Arena. Lex led 13-12 through the first quarter, and 29-25 at halftime. The margin grew to 46-39 through three periods, but the Arrows stormed back before falling just short.
(Photos by Tom Theodore)
An Ashland trey in the final second accounted for the last points of the game.
Sharpshooter Gavin Husty topped Lexington with 16 points, while center Joe Caudill had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Brayden Fogle contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Paxon Ediger paced the Arrows with a game-high 23 points. Junior Nathan Bernhard chipped in 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Gabe Baith added 11 points.
Ashland stayed within reach by netting 10 treys, five of them by Ediger.
But the Minutemen countered by outscoring the hosts 13-4 at the free-throw line. Lexington also enjoyed a 40-31 rebounding advantage.
The Minutemen return to action Saturday night at home against Cincinnati Princeton (14-4), which sits atop the Greater Miami Conference.
The Arrows dip to 10-8 overall, 5-6 in the OCC. Ashland plays Monday night at Shelby.