Heidelberg Rebounds to Defeat Nichols

After a disappointing loss the previous day to George Fox, the Heidelberg College men’s basketball team regrouped and came out strong against Nichols College, defeating the Bison 74-60 in the final day of play at the San Diego Surf ’N Slam. The team not only rebounded from their loss, but literally rebounded and owned the boards, reaching up for 53 failed shots which helped the Berg keep control of the ball.
 
The first half was a close match, with Heidelberg only leading 35-34 as the buzzer sounded. Brian Schmidt (Hinckley, Ohio / Brunswick) sunk a lay-up from off the paint to keep the team ahead. Overall, however, the Berg only recorded a 25% field goal percentage in the first, going 9 for 35 from the floor, they knew they would have to do better than that to take the game.
 
The Berg owned the court at the start of the second half, Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) hit a three-pointer straight out of the gate, while Schmidt hit three straight lay-ups. As their play became more aggressive, the Student Princes never once gave up the lead for the rest of the game.
 
Andrew Lemmon (Port Clinton, Ohio / Port Clinton) was an integral part of the Berg’s win, posting a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Greg Tyson Jr. (Lima, Ohio / Senior) also contributed double-digits to the Berg’s defense, with 10 of his own rebounds on the day. Offensively, Chad Szalay (Lorain, Ohio / Clearview) led the team with 16 points, followed by Lemmon, and Schmidt with 13. Schmidt was also named to the All-tournament team for his performance during the tournament.
 
For the Bison, Chris Vallee recorded an impressive 21 points and seven rebounds, and Chris Paquin tossed up 14 points onto the scoreboard as well. It just was not enough to best the Berg, who truly came back to play  in the second half.
 
Heidelberg returns to this side of the Mississippi on January 3, when they face off against Washington and Jefferson in Washington, Pa. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
 
Box Score