ASHLAND -- Ashland and Massillon matched up for a heavyweight non-conference matchup that came down to the final buzzer where the Arrows escaped with a slim 56-53 victory.

 

Each team traded punches with multiple first-half lead changes and neither side able to sustain momentum. Scoring would come in bunches from mid-range and three-point territory for Ashland while a dominant paint presence for the Tigers led to a competitive first two frames in favor of Massillon, 33-31

 

Both teams did not miss a beat out of the break where the Arrows and the Tigers traded the lead all the way through the third quarter and into the fourth where things got exciting. A few key defensive stops for Ashland made all the difference as they were able to cool off Massillon's offensive production and turn it into a free-throw shooting contest.

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With ice in his veins, Arrows senior Eli White stepped up to the charity stripe and pushed the lead to three with two clutch free throws in the closing seconds. Massillon had one last try at the horn to send the game to overtime but the shot was offline as Ashland escaped with a big win on their home floor, extending the win streak to seven in a row.