Tiffin, Ohio – December 5, 2009 –The Heidelberg University men’s basketball team dropped a hard fought 86-79 decision to Ohio Northern University. The loss puts Heidelberg’s winning streak to a halt, while dropping to 4-3 overall, 1-1 OAC on the year, while Ohio Northern improves to 3-3, 2-0.
In the first half, the game would go back and forth including eight lead changes, while the Polar Bears would lead by a small margin 39-38 going into halftime.
After intermission, Ohio Northern came out strong and went up by as many as 10, when Kyle Meyer sunk two from the line bringing the score to 64-54.
With five minutes left, Heidelberg would narrow down the lead within two points when freshman Adrian Casey Jr. (Lorain, Ohio / Lorain Admiral King) split two free throws.
Despite the Berg coming within three points in the final seconds, clutch free throw shooting from Ohio Northern (12-straight free throws made in the final 40 seconds) would clinch the win for the Polar Bears.
For the game, Heidelberg shot 45.9 percent (28-of-61) from the court, while Ohio Northern shot 53.3 percent (24-of-45). ONU held a 31-25 advantage on the glass.
Casey led the way for the offense with a career-high 18 points. He was one rebound away with a team-high of nine from his fourth double-double of the year. Backing Casey was senior Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) with 16 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Senior Jim Smalley (Middelburg Heights, Ohio / Midpark) scored 16 points which tied his season-high, while freshman Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Harvest Preparatory) added seven points to go along with his team-highs of four assists and three steals.
Heidelberg continues its four-game home stand when it faces Marietta College, Saturday, December 12, at 3:00 p.m.