During an intense home opener against the visiting Augusta Beavers, the Blackhawks had their hands full with an improved Beaver team. The Blackhawks played consistently on both ends of the court to set the tone for the game while steadily improving. The Blackhawks won the home opener by a 70-55 final to improve to 2-0.
The Blackhawks battled in the first half as the Beavers hit some early shots as well. The Hawks started in the post with Jack Wendler scoring early on a post feed from Clay Mueller. The Hawks then got makes from Preston Fritz and Winston Poehler as they scored on six straight possessions. Poehler scored on a putback and Fritz hit back-to-back threes with Poehler then hitting a three of his own which put the Hawks up 15-11. Some pressure from their defense helped the Hawks. Poehler would hit a three later, followed by a three-point play by Talon Mueller off a drive. Clay Mueller also would score off a driving lay-up. Threes by Poehler and Talon Mueller would move the score to 39-26 at the half.
The second half would test the Blackhawks as they would be pressured more by the Beavers. After some trying times, the Blackhawks executed their plan better in breaking the press and scored. The Blackhawks only scored in one of their first 13 possessions in the second half. However, they were still able to hold onto a 41-34 lead. The Hawks' offense then really got going, scoring on 15 of 20 possessions. Freshman Isaiah Pyrchalla scored five straight points along with fastbreak baskets by Poehler, Fritz and Talon Mueller. The Hawks were able to build the lead back up to 20 points at the end and come away victorious, 70-55.
The Blackhawks shot 44% from two and made 6 of 19 from three (32%). They also finished with 17 steals, 40 points in the paint and 20 assists on 26 baskets.
Box Score: Poehler 23 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls, 2 blks; Preston Fritz 16 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls; Talon Mueller 15 pts, 7 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls; Wendler 6 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts, 2 blks; Pyrchalla 6 pts, 5 rebs, 3 stls; Clay Mueller 4 pts, 6 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls.
Coach's Comments
The guys handled some tough times throughout the game and showed character. We had a long dry spell early in the second half but we still played strong defense. I liked the way we broke their pressure with the pass as the team finished with 20 assists which is unbelievable. The players really shared the ball and worked for some great shots throughout the game.