Photo by Seth Nichols

(NORTH CANTON, Ohio) – Despite a 74-68 defeat to Findlay on Senior Night, Walsh clinched its third consecutive GLIAC tournament berth Thursday evening. The Cavaliers (12-12, 10-10) did so by securing third place in the South Division thanks to losses by both Tiffin and Wayne State.

The game was played close throughout as neither team led by a margin larger than seven points. That belonged to the Cavaliers midway through the first half after Jesse Hardin Jr. (Sr., Warren, Ohio/Harding) scored on a layup to make the score 12-5.

The Oilers (18-7, 15-5) didn't hold a two-possession lead until Martyce Kimbrough made a 3-pointer with just over five minutes left to put Walsh down 67-63. The two teams exchanged baskets in the paint before Hardin Jr. hit a triple to bring the Cavaliers within one at 69-68 with 2:06 left in the game. Unfortunately those were the finale points for the Cavaliers.

Hardin Jr. finished his final home game with 22 points and was 8-of-19 from the field. Trey Fletcher (Jr., Ironton, Ohio/Ironton) added 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Zac Carter (Jr., Ironton, Ohio/Ironton) was right behind him with 14 points and five boards. Chall Montgomery (Jr., Cleveland, Ohio/Central Catholic/Navy) pulled down 11 rebounds to go with his seven points.

Findlay had four players in double-figures and was led by Kimbrough with 17 points.

Walsh now heads to the Motor City in hopes of improving its playoff seeding with a game against Wayne State. Tip-off with the Warriors is set for 3 p.m.