The Antwerp Archers proved they can win big last Saturday (they won by 20) but on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 46-43 win over Ayersville. Given Antwerp's advantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 176th, while the Pilots are ranked 564th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Antwerp's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Landon Brewer, who scored 17 points along with five rebounds and two steals. Brewer is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 17 or more in the last six games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Zaine McMichael, who scored ten points.
Antwerp's victory was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 15-2. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 56.1 points per game. As for Ayersville, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 6-9.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Antwerp won't have much time to rest: their next game is against the Locomotives at 7:30 p.m. on February 3rd. As for Ayersville, they won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against the Blackbirds at 7:30 p.m. on February 3rd. Pettisville and the Pilots are at an even 5-5 over their past ten head-to-heads.
