Kocak, Aze Lead Eagles Past Rangers

MADISON, NJ.- The Juniata men's basketball picked up a massive win on the road as they defeated Drew University, 75-72, Saturday afternoon inside Baldwin Gym. 

Ty Kocak led all scorers with 22 points, to go with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Jaiden Aze had 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals off the bench. Malcolm Griffith tallied 10 points, six rebounds, a steal, an assist, and a block while William Littles Jr. had eight points, four rebounds and two assists. Joe Bruce totaled eight points, three rebounds, and an assist, while Tre Yawn added eight points, two assists and two steals.

The first half was a battle of different offensive attacks, with the Eagles dominating in the paint. They outscored Drew 28-4 in the first half inside, while Drew scored 21 of their 35 first-half points from behind the three-point line. Juniata was efficient shooting the ball in the first frame, shooting 57.69 percent from the field.  The Eagles carried a 40-35 lead into the locker room at the half. 

Drew narrowed the Eagle lead to one over the first two minutes of the second half, before Kocak helped Juniata respond. He drilled a jumper and, following a stop, found Griffith inside for a layup. 

Drew evened things at 45, but the Eagles answered again, this time with a pair of Aze foul shots and a Yawn layup off a Jayden Bilger assist.

The Rangers got close several times, but every time, Juniata had an answer. In the final seconds of the game, Aze made a foul shot to put the Eagles up three. Drew got a look from the left wing, but it was long off the left side of the rim as the Eagles got out of New Jersey with the win. 

The Eagles will host Susquehanna, Wednesday at 7:00.