Derek Koch's double-double helps Ashland outlast Lake Erie 62-59

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Derek Koch finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds as Ashland hung on to beat Lake Erie Wednesday afternoon, 62-59.

The West Salem native made 7 of his 11 attempts from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point distance. Aaron Thompson added 17 points for the Eagles (12-6, 9-3 G-MAC), who led by as many as 10 on their way to their fourth straight victory.

Leon Hughes led Lake Erie (8-9, 2-8) with 16 points and nine boards. The Storm cut the deficit to two with just 1:31 left to play, but Jonny Manning missed a subsequent layup and AU made four free throws down the stretch to put the game out of reach. Lake Erie has now lost five in a row.

Ashland will head back home to host Villa Maria Saturday at 1 p.m., while Lake Erie will be at Tiffin two hours later.

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