MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington men’s basketball team spent the first half building a lead that would not be challenged on the way to a 78-57 road win over Aquinas at Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center Tuesday night.

The damage was done eight minutes into the frame when the Foresters raced out to a 21-5 lead. Tyler Arens, Konner Platt and Nick Macon took turns scoring to set the tone for a well-balanced attack.

The trio finished in double digits as did the other two starters in a contest where HU connected on nearly half of their shots (28-for-57) and missed just one freebie by going 15-for-16.

Platt paced the Foresters with a game-best 22 points in addition to pulling down seven rebounds. Caleb Middlesworth collected 15 points. Arens posted his second double double of the year with 14 points and ten rebounds.

Macon did a little bit of everything by tossing in 11 points to go along with eight assists, five rebounds and five steals. Zac Owens added ten points and four rebounds as the starters accounted for all but six points.

Defensively, the visitors also had a solid outing by limiting Aquinas to just 32.3 percent shooting (20-for-62) while forcing 17 turnovers. Only two players scored in double digits for the hosts – Rob Deiz (17) and DeShawn Lewis (12).

After building a 48-28 halftime lead, Huntington extended their advantage to as many as 26 points in the final stanza while never allowing the Saints to get any closer than 17 on the way to the 21-point victory.

With this win, Platt’s crew avenges last year’s 85-73 loss to Aquinas and ups their season record to three wins against just one loss. The Foresters host the annual Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Tournament this coming weekend. HU will face East-West University on Friday at 8:00 p.m.