ASHLAND, Ohio – The Thiel College men's basketball team was back in action since suffering a 56-53 road loss to conference foe Waynesburg University on December 9. The Tomcats faced Division II opponent Ashland University on Saturday only to fall 82-53.

Ashland is the second Division II opponent Thiel has faced this year as they played an exhibition game against current Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West leader Edinboro University on November 11.

The Eagles came out strong and built a 13-2 lead with 14:55 remaining in the first half. A jumper by Tyreik Burton (Lewes, Del./Cape Henlopen) at the 12:46 mark put Thiel within six but that would be as close as the Tomcats would get to the lead. Ashland held a convincing 45-12 heading into halftime.

Thiel outscored Ashland 41-37 in the second half as the Tomcats shot 16-of-32 (50%) and 4-of-8 (50%) from three. However, the offense proved to be too little too late as Ashland prevailed 82-53.

Burton was the Tomcats' only player in double-digit points as he scored 22 points on 9-of-17 from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. With the loss, Thiel falls to 3-5 overall on the year.

The Tomcats will begin the New Year against Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) opponent Washington and Jefferson College at Beeghly Gymnasium on January 3, tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.