New Concord, Ohio – January 16, 2010 –The Heidelberg University men’s basketball team was victorious with a 71-69 decision over Muskingum University. Heidelberg improves to 10-5 overall, 6-2 in OAC on the year, while Muskingum drops to 6-10, 1-7 in the conference.
Heidelberg had its largest lead of the first half when senior Travis Kinn (Alvada, Ohio / New Riegel) nailed a jumper with eight minutes left, making the score 28-23. However the Muskies would regroup after calling a timeout with six minutes left. Muskingum’s J.J. Armstrong’s three-pointer would give the Muskies its largest lead of 37-32, with three minutes left before intermission. Both teams would go into halftime with the Muskingum having a slight lead of 39-36.
In the early going of the second half, Heidelberg would quickly go up by five points when freshman Nate Davis (Dayton, Ohio / Stivers) found freshman Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Harvest Preparatory) for an easy two, inside the paint. However the relentless Muskies would once again battle back and knot up it up at 66-66, with four minutes left.
The Berg would recapture the lead when senior Jim Smalley (Middelburg Heights, Ohio / Midpark) found sophomore John Miller (Millersburg, Ohio / West Holmes) for a clutch three pointer giving Heidelberg a 69-66 lead.
With five seconds remaining, Muskingum’s Carson Thomas missed a potential game-winner three point field goal shot, giving the Berg a 71-69 win.
The Berg's flawless free throw shooting (8-8) compared to Muskingum's 17-28 (60.7%) helped secure the victory for Heidelberg. The Student Princes also held a 37-26 rebound advantage for the game.
Davis, who was one of three Heidelberg players who scored in double-digits, led the way with 13 points, to go along with six rebounds. Backing up Davis was senior Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) with 12 points and six boards. Smalley added 11 points and racked in four on the glass.
Givner and Kinn contributed eight points apiece, while freshman Adrian Casey Jr. (Lorain, Ohio / Lorain Admiral King) chipped in with six points and four boards.
Off the bench, sophomore Andy Emrhein (Seven Hills, Ohio / Padua Franciscan) and junior Kyle Tulley (Berea, Ohio / Berea) each had four points, while Tulley was second on the team with five rebounds. Senior Matt Grieves (Huron, Ohio / Huron) had two points and four boards.
Heidelberg continues its four-game road trip when it travels to Capital University on Wednesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m.