Ravens Fight Past Yellow Jackets

The Anderson University men's basketball team fought past Defiance College with a 91-85 victory during Wednesday's Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) matchup in Defiance, Ohio. Both teams put up an offensive display on Wednesday. Anderson (9-9, 6-5) converted 32-of-65 (49.2 percent) shots from the field and 10-of-19 (52.6 percent) attempts from 3-point range. Defiance (10-8, 5-6) hit 33-of-62 (53.2 percent) attempts from the floor and 12-of-23 (52.2 percent) shots from the perimeter. "This was a great win against a team that presents some really tough defensive challenges for us," Coach Owen Handy said. "When we've won games this year, it has usually been because we've defended, but today we really played well at the offensive end." The Ravens outscored the Yellow Jackets 34-30 in the paint. Anderson also finished with a 35-30 rebounding advantage, including a 9-3 advantage on offensive boards. The Ravens also outscored Defiance 12-8 on second-chance points. "In a game that was very physical at the perimeter, we did a good job of managing their pressure and getting the ball to the rim. And we did a great job on the glass at both ends of the floor." Defiance finished with a 6-2 advantage on fast-break points. Austin Lyons (Anderson, Ind./Lapel) poured in a career-high 25 points. The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard from Anderson knocked down 9-of-15 (60 percent) attempts from the floor. "Austin was dynamite [on Wednesday]. He was engaged and aggressive with his cuts and, in addition to shooting the ball well, created good opportunities for other guys with his movement." Maurice Knight (Frankton, Ind./Frankton) notched 22 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Malik Laffoon (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington North) contributed 15 points and six steals. Jalen Johnson (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central) provided 12 points and three steals. "I'd be remiss if I did not mention the contributions off the bench from Jalen Johnson (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central). He played really well at both ends of the floor!" Tate Cooper (Terre Haute, Ind./North) turned in eight points and Larry Johnson (Carmel, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) scored six points. Jake Gudorf (Brookville, Ohio/Brookville) rounded out Anderson's scoring with three points. Anderson battles Earlham College (7-11, 3-8) in HCAC action on Saturday at 3 p.m. in O.C. Lewis Gymnasium.