The Heidelberg University men’s basketball team, with the guidance of fifth year head coach Anthony Gholson, move to, 2-0 with a 73-71 victory over the University of Miami-Middletown.
The Berg trailed considerably at the half, but roared back to outscore Middletown, 50-25 in the second half.
“We came out flat, with no energy,” said Gholson. “When we come out and play with little to no energy, there isn’t a lot that can be done except wait it out and make key adjustments at halftime. That’s exactly what we did.”
Freshman Jackson Blue (West Chester/Lakota West) followed up last night’s four-point performance with his first collegiate double-double. Blue dropped 16 points offensively, with 11 total rebounds.
Senior Nate Davis (Dayton/Stivers) had another double digit outing for the Berg, scoring 15 points in 25 minutes of action. Davis also pulled down nine total rebounds, and dished out two assists.
“Nate is the heart beat of this team,” said Gholson. “He is an inside-out guy and that’s how you have to play this game. If Nate does well the whole team plays passionately.”
The Heidelberg freshmen shined again in the victory over Miami-Middletown. The freshman trio of Cody Blizzard (Lakeside), Ishaam Smith Jr. (Richmond Heights) and Ricky Slaughter (Shaker Heights/Cleveland Heights) combined for 31 of the Berg’s 73 points, along with 14 total rebounds and three steals.
By defeating Miami-Middletown, coach Gholson and the Heidelberg men claim first place in the second annual ‘Berg Alumni Classic.
“It feels good to get this win, especially after last years loss in the tournament, but we are still an incomplete team and young, so there is work to do,” said Gholson.
The win propels the Student Princes to 2-0 as they prepare for their matchup against Finlandia University on Saturday, November 24. Tip-off between the Student Princes and the Lions is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. from the cmapus of Alma College in Alma, Michigan.