Tiffin, Ohio – November 24, 2009 – The Heidelberg University men’s basketball team stay composed despite an early deficit, and found its way to the charity stripe, en route to a 94-91 overtime victory over Albion College in its home opener. The win improves Heidelberg to 1-2 on the year, while the Britons fall to 2-2.
Both teams were sluggish at the tip, with the first point registered by Albion almost two minutes into the game, and the first field goal was by the visitors nearly three minutes into the contest. Albion extended its lead to as many as 14 points on two occasions in the opening half before holding a 37-24 lead at the break.
After shooting just 5-of-14 from the free throw line in the first 20 minutes, Heidelberg came out with a vengeance in the second period and found itself in overtime by way of the free throw line. Adrian Casey Jr. (Lorain, Ohio / Lorain Admiral King) scored off an offensive rebound to tie the game at 65-65 with 5:19 left on the clock. The Berg scored eight of its final 14 points from the free throw line to send the game into an extra stanza.
Albion’s Chris Hutton hit one from long range to put the Britons up three, 79-76, with 53 seconds left in regulation. Heidelberg’s Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) went for the tying three and was fouled in the act of shooting. Calver connected on all three freebies to send the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Heidelberg outscored Albion 15-12, with 11 of its points coming from the free throw line. With 20 seconds left, Heidelberg held an 88-87 lead, but Calver hit four three throws and freshman Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Harvest Preparatory) added two to seal the win.
For the game, Heidelberg outscored Albion in the paint 40-30 and 33-25 from the line. On the glass, the Berg held a 43-36 advantage, including a 17-10 difference on the offensive end of the floor.
From the field, Heidelberg and Albion posted similar numbers. Heidelberg finished shooting 47.5 percent (29-of-61) and Albion shot 46.4 percent (27-of-57).
Leading four in double figures for the Berg was Calver and Travis Kinn (Alvada, Ohio / New Reigel) with 21 points apiece, 11 points each from the line. Calver also dished out four assists and had two steals. Kinn scored all of his 21 points in the second half, to go along with two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Posting his second-straight double-double was Casey, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Givner registered a career-best 17 points and had five boards, two assists and a block. Jim Smalley (Middleburg Heights, Ohio / Midpark) added seven points and had a team-leading five assists.
Providing depth off the bench was Nate Davis (Dayton, Ohio / Stivers). Davis had six points, five rebounds, five blocks and two assists, and six others from the bench found their way into the scoring column in the win.
Albion was led by Dave Stasiak’s game-high 29 points, including seven three-pointers. Kolin Kazen led the way on the glass with eight rebounds.