CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University men's basketball team had its five-game win streak come to halt on Saturday, falling to No. 17 Grand View University in Kehl Arena, 72-58.
The Saints fell out of a three-way tie for first in the Midwest Collegiate Conference standings, dropping to one game back. Grand View is now in the driver's seat, followed by Viterbo University at a half game back.
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Grand View forward Corey Viet made all 14 attempts from the free throw line to a game-high 27 points. Fifteen of Greg Schulz' 17 points came from beyond the arc and center Kevin Smith added 10 of his 12 points in the first half.
Senior guard Daniel Joiner of West Chicago, Ill., led Ashford with 15 points and sophomore Peter Tanzillo of Kewanee, Ill., followed a stellar performance against William Penn with an efficient 10-point outing on 4-of-6 shooting.
The Saints' offense had a difficult time getting tracked against the taller Vikings, but the game was a defensive struggle early on.
After AU took a 15-14 lead after a free throw by senior guard Byron Emerson of Rockford, Ill., Grand View rattled off a 10-0 run that included a pair of jumpers by Smith and a three-point play by backup guard James Metzger.
Metzger was injured on the play and did not return in the second half.
Viet put the Vikings up by 11 as the Saints missed their last five field goal attempts of the first half.
Grand View heated up from deep early in the second half, its first four field goals coming from three-point territory.
Forward Matt Banzhaf, who didn't attempt a shot in the first half, converted a pair of open looks and Schulz drilled a pair of treys as Grand View's lead swelled to 15 points.
Grand View was able to preserve a double-digit lead the rest of the way, with Viet scoring 17 in the final period.
The Saints enjoy a little break before traveling to Forest City to take on Waldorf College on Saturday. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
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