Heidelberg Dominates Overtime to Defeat Wilmington

Heidelberg College started off behind, but ended out on top in its Ohio Athletic Conference opener against Wilmington College. After dominating the overtime period, an overall team effort led the Berg to an 88-82 win. Heidelberg improves their record to 4-2 and 1-0 in the OAC, while Wilmington drops to 3-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.    

Heidelberg trailed the entire first half until two good free throws by junior Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) with 7:39 to go. After an 11-point deficit, Heidelberg fought back to narrow Wilmington’s lead to three points, closing the half 41-38.
 
Another pair of free throws by Calver tied the game at 70-70 with 21 seconds remaining in regulation time. After a made layup by Wilmington’s Brandon Rogers, Heidelberg’s Jake Hessey (Crestline, Ohio / Colonel Crawford) drained two free throws to send the teams into overtime.
 
A quick layup by Kyle Tuley (Berea, Ohio / Berea) after 30 seconds of overtime put the Berg on top and they never lost their lead. Their overtime lead increased to seven after two Hessey free throws. Heidelberg controlled the overtime period, outscoring Wilmington 16-10.

Heidelberg sank 15 of their last 16 free throws to seal the win. ’Berg junior Travis Kinn (Alvada, Ohio / New Riegel) led the team on both the offensive and defensive ends with a career-high 24 points and nine rebounds. Three other Heidelberg players reached double-figures led by Tuley with a career-high 18 points, Calver with 15 and Hessey with 11.

Rogers led Wilmington offensively with 30 points and snagged 10 rebounds. Both R.J. Brown (10) and Justin Gaines (12) scored double-figures, as well.

Heidelberg returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 13 and faces Mount Union at 3:00 p.m. in Seiberling Gymnasium in Tiffin, Ohio.