RICHMOND, Ind. – The Asbury University men's basketball team fell to 6-11 on the year as the Eagles lost 97-75 at IU East on Tuesday night in River States Conference play.
Asbury also moves to 0-4 in league play with the loss.

It was a tough outing for the Eagles early on, as AU began the night 4-18 from the floor. IU East pushed ahead 20-12 in the first 10 minutes of action.  

Asbury fought back and cut the lead down to 22-18 moments later, but IU East managed to catch fire again offensively as they sprung ahead 31-18 on a 9-0 run.

Asbury would finish the half on a better note though, scoring 21 points in the final five minutes of play.

Leander Ridgeway paced the offense for Asbury in the first half with 17 points on 4-7 shooting. Ridgeway was perfect from the free throw line on 8-8 shooting.

As a team, the Eagles shot 11-12 from the charity stripe in the opening half.

IUE led 50-39 at the break, as the Red Wolves shot 51 percent from the floor.

The Red Wolves had another strong second half, posting 47 points, out-scoring Asbury by 11 (47-36).

AU went scoreless for three minutes at the 13 minute mark, and IU East increased its advantage out to 70-56. The Eagles were only able to cut the deficit down to 10 throughout the second half. 

IUE scored 17 points off AU turnovers and collected 46 points inside the paint.

Asbury shot 36 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line. 

Leander Ridgeway led AU in scoring with 23 points and five rebounds on 7-16 shooting. Siah Holifield also scored in double figures with 14 points and four rebounds.

Desmond Duke and Eric Powell each tabbed eight points apiece. Duke dished out a team-high five assists.

TJ Robinson compiled seven points and seven rebounds. Caleb Bonny notched seven points and four rebounds.

Blaine May recorded six points on 60 percent shooting.

Asbury returns to action on Saturday at Ohio Christian. Saturday's contest is slated for a 3 PM start.