Upset Bid Outlasted by the Three
The Heidelberg University men’s basketball team’s bid for an upset win over Capital University was on the brink of becoming reality, until the Crusaders found their mark from long range. Capital hit three of its four three-pointers in the final 5:32 of the game and pulled out a 79-76 Ohio Athletic Conference victory in Seiberling Gymnasium this evening, on the campus of Heidelberg.
Capital, ranked 11th in the nation according to D3hoops.com, improved to 21-3 overall and 14-3 in the OAC, while the Berg stands at 8-16 and 5-12.
Nate Stahl hit the first trey and gave the visitors its first lead of the entire game at 64-62 at the 5:32 mark. The Berg’s Jim Smalley (Middleburg Heights, Ohio / Midpark) scored four-straight points, including a three, to get the lead back at 66-65 with 4:20 left on the clock. However, Capital’s Ryan Wood answered with another from long range to give the Crusaders the lead for good. Capital extended its advantage to four points on three occasions over the final minutes of the game and the Berg pulled within one point, but could never overcome the visitors.
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The game opened with Heidelberg scoring the first six points and its lead was extended to a 16-5 advantage before Capital hit a field goal. The Berg defense held the Crusaders quiet from the field until the 11:48 mark of the opening half.
Heidelberg continued its hot shooting and pushed its lead to as many as 17 points on three occasions with the latter being at 36-19 with 3:52 to play before halftime. Capital outscored Heidelberg 8-4 over the final minutes of the first half to cut the Berg’s lead to 40-30 heading into the locker room.
For the game, Heidelberg shot 50.0 percent (29-of-58) from the field, while Capital hit 43.9 percent (25-of-57). The Crusaders held a slim advantage on the glass at 35-32. Of its 35 boards, Capital had 13 offensive rebounds, which accounted for a 14-5 margin in second chance points.
Leading four players in double figures for the Berg was Travis Kinn (Alvada, Ohio / New Riegel) with 17 points, to go along with five rebounds. Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) and Jake Hessey (Crestline, Ohio / Colonel Crawford) dropped in 16 points apiece, while Smalley chipped in with 13. Calver led the way with a team-high six rebounds.
Quintin Mitchell led Capital with a game-high 31 points and seven rebounds.