(Anita) CAM didn’t have their first lead until late in the 3rd quarter and it wasn’t until the 2:18 mark to go in the game that they took the lead for good. The Cougars defended their home floor and won their 5th straight with a 52-48 decision over Audubon on Thursday.
A pair of Nathan Hensley free-throws down the stretch put CAM in front by a point and Ethan Arp followed with two more to make it a 47-44 Cougar edge. Audubon never got any closer than within two the rest of the night. Arp posted a game high 16 points and Connor McKee finished with a dozen. Each made very timely baskets. Four of McKee’s points came in a key stretch right before half. Audubon established a 25-20 lead and looked like they were gaining some traction, but McKee’s two quick buckets snugged it up to a one point game at half.
Gavin Smith had a big night in the loss for Audubon with 14 points and 16 rebounds. The 16 boards matches a career high. Skyler Schultes scored nine of his 13 before the break to help the visitors play with the lead for much of the contest. Audubon’s ability to drive to the basket was crucial to their early success in the game, but the team made just 3/17 3-point attempts.
Free-throw shooting was one category where CAM had a significant edge over their opponent. The Cougars hit 15/18 at the line. Arp was 6/7, Hensley 4/4, McKee 3/4, and Ben Tibken 2/2. Audubon was just 5/9 on free-throws for the game. The Wheelers move to 8-12 on the season and CAM is 14-4.
