Midland Holds Off Central's Pressure, Wins 53-42

December 13, 2009
By: John Keuvelaar

A slow start coupled by Midland's strong inside game proved too much for Central. As the Wolves aggressive press in the fourth quarter generated more offense, Midland was able to match them point for point to pull off a 53-42 Saginaw Valley win.

Central struggled in the first quarter to see the basket through the trees. With 7 footer Brandon Crane and 6'5 Andrew Wylie, the Chemics forced Central to work their game outside. As a result, the Chemics pulled out to a 10-5 lead.

While Central continued to move the ball briskly, they looked to penetrate to get their offense moving. Aided by Deon Marin's five second period points, the Wolves offense got rolling scoring 12 points. But Midland's Andrew Wylie had an answer for Marin's three pointer as he helped Midland post 13 points for the quarter and a 23-17 halftime lead.

Midland kept their momentum going in the third period. With Ben Singer scoring 6 points and a rejuvenated defensive effort, the Chemics added to their lead 35-26.

Central turned up the heat, and excitement, in the fourth quarter by turning on their press. This turned up the intensity and scoring as the Wolves looked to mount a comeback. In the end, it was Midland's Andrew Wylie's free throw shooting that held off the Wolves. Hitting eight of his ten attempts, he helped his teammates hold off Central for a 53-42 win.

On the night, Wylie lead all scorers with 23 points while senior forward Ben Singer added 15.

Andrew Butts led Central with 11 points aided by Deon Martin's 10 points.