NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Otterbein men's basketball team lost in heart-breaking fashion to Muskingum 70-69 Saturday afternoon, as Justin Carter tallied a career-high 29 points including five three pointers.

The Cardinals were holding a five-point advantage with 22 seconds remaining, as Carter fouled Devon Peart of Muskingum. Austin Springer picked up a technical foul on the same play giving the Fighting Muskies four free-throw attempts. Peart stepped up to the line and cashed in and made it a one-point game.

Nick Koontz was fouled on the ensuing inbound pass and hit the front of the rim on a one-and-one and Muskingum grabbed the rebound. Peart attacked the basket and drew a foul, resulting in two free throws. The senior connected on both attempts giving Muskingum its first lead since the 10:17 mark when the score was 18-17.

Carter attempted a game-winning jumper inside the paint but was unable to connect.

The Cardinals fall to 6-17 overall and 3-13 in the league, while Muskingum improves to 8-15 on the year and 4-12 in the OAC. Otterbein now sits one game back of the Fighting Muskies with its final two games at home against John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace.

Otterbein found its groove in the first half as Carter and Maurice Beavers scored 13 straight points to give Otterbein a 30-18 lead. During the run, the Cardinal defense held Muskingum scoreless for over five minutes.

Muskingum would cut the deficit to six heading into the locker room as Carter and Beavers combined for 28 points on 12 of 14 shooting from the floor. The Cardinals made five three pointers compared to one by the Fighting Muskies.

Both teams came out of the locker room with back-and-forth play, but the Cardinals were able to open up their largest lead of the second half at 11 points with 10:47 left to play, with a three pointer coming from Carter.

Beavers finished the game with 15 points on 86 percent shooting, as Springer chipped in 10. The Cardinals connected on 12 three pointers on 26 attempts.

Otterbein will host John Carroll on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Otterbein defeated the Blue Streaks earlier this season 81-79 as Jay Joseph recorded 19 points and nine rebounds.