Box Score
By Jared Walsh, Walsh Sports Information Intern
NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Once the Walsh Cavaliers got the lead in the first half, they did not give it back. The Walsh Cavaliers men's basketball team was able to cruise past the sixth-ranked University of Findlay Oilers on Sunday (Jan. 10) night at Alumni Arena. The Cavaliers won 86-60 in their home opener and gave Head Coach Jeff Young a win in his 500th career game.
Score: Walsh 86, Findlay 60
Location: North Canton, Ohio (Alumni Arena)
Records: Walsh 3-1 (3-1), Findlay 6-1 (5-1)
The Short Story: After Findlay's early lead at 10-5, Walsh found a spark offensively and did not allow Findlay to lead again. Christian Simmons knocked down a three to tie the game at 10. Not even a minute later, Darryl Straughter sunk back-to-back threes as the lead grew to 16-10. After that, the Cavs slowly extended the lead out throughout the contest and won 86-60 at home.
OPENING TIP
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Darryl Straughter was one of three in double figures for the Cavaliers as he scored a game-high 24 points. Straughter was eight-of-16 and six-of-12 from the three-point line. He also grabbed seven rebounds in 37 minutes.
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Caleb Canter finished with 14 points with most of his baskets coming from in the paint. He shot six-of-11 for the game. Canter also finished with four rebounds and a block and a steal in 32 minutes.
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Garrison Keeslar was able to do a little bit of everything for the Cavs. He finished with 11 points, while shooting three-of-eight. He also brought down six rebounds, dished out four assists, and had two steals.
THE DIFFERENCE
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Christian Simmons provided a spark off the bench that was much needed for the Cavs. Simmons finished the night with a double-double. He had 18 points and ten rebounds, with four offensive boards. Simmons made seven-of-nine shots and knocked down both of his free throws. These are season-high numbers and helped the Cavaliers down the stretch.
- Walsh ended the first half with a 34-8 run after the game was tied at ten apiece.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
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Walsh finished the game shooting 54.2% while holding Findlay to just 42.9% overall. Walsh also finished with a better three-point percentage as they knocked down 11-of-25 (44%) shots from deep. Findlay could not find their shot from the three as they only connected on 6-27 (22.2%) for the game.
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Walsh's largest lead of the game was 26 points. They were able to get this lead right before halftime and match it four times in the game altogether.
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The Cavs crashed the glass as a team as they pulled down 37 rebounds, compared to Findlay's 25.
NOTABLE
- For the third time in the D2 era, Walsh has defeated the #6 team in the country. In games against ranked opponents, Walsh carries a record of 7-7 with two wins over Findlay while as a ranked team.
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The Cavs have won five straight home openers, dating back to the 2016-17 season.
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Coach Jeff Young earned win #384 in his 500th career game at the helm of the Cavaliers.
NEXT UP
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