ASHLAND, Ohio -- The Cardinal Men's Basketball team continued on the road on Saturday afternoon, facing the Ashland University Eagles in Ohio. Ashland carried a three-point lead into the halftime break and separated more in the second, claiming a 72-56 victory in the GLIAC contest. 

AU improves to 10-9 overall and 3-8 in the GLIAC. The Cardinals fall to 12-7 overall and 6-5 in league play. 

The Cards led to begin the opening half and until the Eagles took a 14-12 edge with 11:08 showing on the clock. Ashland built an 11-point lead (29-18) with 3:35 left but Saginaw Valley cut into that deficit.

SVSU outscored AU 10-2 the rest of the way and trimmed the deficit to three points, trailing 31-28 at the half.

Myles Belyeu had 12 points through the opening 20 minutes with five rebounds for the Cardinals. Malik Ellison added six for the visitors. 

Ashland maintained the lead throughout the second as well, building a lead by as many as 20 points. The Eagles would post a 41-28 edge in the half and close-out for the 72-56 win.

Inside the Boxscore

• Belyeu had a team-best 18 points, adding seven rebounds. He earned Meijer "Player of the Game" plaudits. 
• Ellison added 12 points with four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. 
• James Toohey had eight points with three boards.
• Delano Smith had seven points and five rebounds while Fred John Jr. had a team-high eight boards. 

Up Next...

Saginaw Valley hosts Northern Michigan on Thursday (Jan. 30) for another league matchup. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 p.m. at SVSU's O'Neill Arena. 

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