BLUFFTON, Oh.--- Nick Fort scored a season-high 33 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished six assists to help Asbury (12-2) get past Bethany College (0-11) on Wednesday night in the McDonald's Holiday Tournament, 92-73. 

Fort's points came on an efficient 14-22 from the field, including his 10th double-double in 14 games this season. Fort's teammate in the post, Clayton Winter, went 7-11 from the field for 14 points and six rebounds.

Sophomore guard Ben McNew showed up once again for Asbury with 14 points, three three-pointers, four rebounds, and two assists. Junior guard Caleb Wallis followed McNew with 12 points and an impressive eight rebounds.

Asbury scored 21 points off turnovers compared to Bethany's two. AU also scored 46 points in the paint to Bethany's 24. The Eagles defense settled in during the second half where they held Bethany to only 29 points, securing the victory. 

In the first ever meeting between these two teams the opening seven minutes were back-and-forth. Six lead changes in the first seven minutes were brought to a 16-16 tie after a Nick Fort layup with 13:34 to go in the first. 

Both offenses were clicking in the first half with the teams scoring a combined 95 points in the half. 

The teams kept trading points until a Ben McNew three capped Asbury's 6-0 run to give them a 49-41 lead, their largest yet. AU went into the break leading Bethany 51-44. 

The second half saw Asbury's defense really settle in, holding Bethany to only 29 points compared to their 44 in the first. 

A layup from Clayton Winter and free-throw from Ben McNew gave Asbury their largest lead so far at 67-54 with 13:36 to go. The Asbury offense continued to pour in points as Caleb Wallis and Ashton Owens each made threes that took the AU lead to 83-64 with 8:19 remaining. 

Asbury finished their first game after Christmas break with an impressive 92-73 win, taking them to 12-2 on the year.

AU has now won three consecutive games and moves to the McDonald's of Bluffton tournament championship tomorrow afternoon against Miami University (Hamilton) at 2 pm. 


* Nick Fort | 33 PTS (Season-High), 10 REB (10th Double-Double), 6 AST
* Clayton Winter | 14 PTS, 7-11 FG, 6 REB
* Ben McNew | 14 PTS, 3 3PT, 4 REB, 2 AST
* Caleb Wallis | 12 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST


* Asbury scored 21 points off turnovers compared to Bethany's two
* Asbury's defense held Bethany to only 37.9 percent from the field in the second half


"We got started a little slow today but we shot out of a cannon to start the 2nd half. We turned up the defensive intensity and went on a big run. This was a great team win! Hopefully we will close out the tourney tomorrow with a win!
Nick Fort | Graduate Forward | Shelbyville, Ky.

"Coming back from Christmas break is always challenging. I was pleased with our effort in the second half defensively."
Will Shouse | Head Coach


Asbury will face Miami University (Middletown) Thursday afternoon at 2 pm for the McDonald's of Bluffton tournament championship.


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