The Lourdes University Gray Wolves got out of the gate fast with some torrid shooting and never let up as they dashed past the Golden Eagles 104-61 on Monday night in Founders Hall Gym. The much taller NAIA visitors from Sylvania, OH exemplified the definition of a well-oiled machine as they shot 58% from the field for the game and 59% from behind the three point arc.

Early in the game while the two combatants were still feeling each other out, Kent State Tuscarawas held an 8-7 lead before Lourdes went on a 22-0 run to take a 29-8 lead halfway through the first half. The Golden Eagles would not roll over and ended the drought with an 11-2 run of their own to draw within 31-19 before the Gray Wolves took control once again and pushed their lead to 46-26 at the halftime break. The Gray Wolves opened the second half on an 11-3 run to extend their lead to 57-29 and never looked back.

During their big pushes, Lourdes asserted their height advantage to take control and when the Golden Ealges doubled-down to help the ball was kicked back outside for wide open threes. Bryce McComb was the beneficiary of the bulk of those uncontested shots making a perfect 7-7 from behing the arc, while Kadeim Jones knocked down 4-5 three point shots he attempted as the Gray Wolves made 16-27 three point attempts on the night. They also controlled the glass and outrebounded KSU Tusc 47-25.

For the Golden Eagles Gunnar Tharp (East Canton, OH / Canton South) scored 13 points and Malik Campbell (Canton, OH / Canton South) added 11 while also leading the Navy and Gold in rebounds with nine.

The Golden Eagles fall to 1-9 on the season and host Penn State Shenango on Friday, Dec. 21st at 3 p.m. Santa Claus will visit at halftime.

Gunnar Tharp works past a Lourdes defender to generate some offense.  (Photos by Jim Cummings)