BEXLEY, Ohio - A strong second half effort propelled Capital University to a 77-62 victory over Heidelberg University in an Ohio Athletic Conference men's basketball game on Wednesday.
Capital's Spencer Niekamp scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half to lead the way for the Crusaders.
Nate Davis (Dayton/Stivers) recorded his ninth double-double of the season in a losing effort for Heidelberg.
Heidelberg (9-9, 4-7 OAC) jumped out to a 7-2 lead before Capital (12-6, 9-2 OAC) went on a 13-2 run to take a six point lead.
The Crusaders maintained a slim lead throughout the rest of the first half until a Keith Mackie (Detroit, MI/Fr. Gabriel Richard) free throw tied the contest with two seconds left before the break.
The second half started much like the first half ended -- with Capital nursing a small lead.
Heidelberg's Jackson Blue (West Chester/Lakota West) tied the game at 39 with 14:42 left in the game as he completed a three-point play.
Unfortunately for Heidelberg coach Anthony Gholson, that was as close as the Student Princes would get.
After the tie, the Crusaders took control of the game with a 16-5 run over a four minute span. They would cruise to the victory, which moved them into a tie with Marietta for the top spot in the OAC.
Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, PA/Harvest Prep) scored 14 points to lead Heidelberg. Davis finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Michael Sommer chipped in 21 points for Capital.
Heidelberg will look to snap a three-game skid on Saturday when Wilmington College visits Seiberling Gymnasium. Heidelberg defeated Wilmington 73-71 earlier this season.
The Quakers and the Student Princes tip off at 3 p.m.