NEW CONCORD, Ohio- The Cardinals found their rhythm early on Saturday night, knocking off the host Muskingum Fighting Muskies, 74-64. Muskingum battled the entire way and kept it close, but ultimately Otterbein made shots when it mattered to pull away in the last five minutes.

The loss drops Muskingum to 3-19 overall, and 1-15 within the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Otterbein now sits at 12-11 overall, and 7-9 in the OAC, good enough for a tie in the conference with Wilmington, Marietta and Capital.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Otterbein jumped out to an early lead, outscoring the Muskies 19-14 through the first 10 minutes.
   
• Muskingum battled back in the second quarter, taking a 35-33 advantage into the locker room.
• The Cards took advantage of a depleted Muskingum bench in the second half, outscoring Muskingum 41-29 over the last two quarters.
   
• Muskingum held a 54-53 advantage at the 6:47 mark before Otterbein went on a 5-0 run sparked by a Hailey Bauer three.
   
• The Cardinals never lost the lead and went 8 for 8 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure victory.
   

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Otterbein took advantage of 17 Muskie turnovers, scoring 14 points on the giveaways.
   
• Jenna Hoschoer continues her hot streak, leading all scorers with a career high 19 points, now scoring over 14 points in the last 3 of 4 games.
   
• Abby Zerkle was the only other Cardinal in double figures, scoring 15 points of her own.
   
• Otterbein will play its final two regular season games in the friendly confines of the Rike Center looking to secure a spot in the OAC Tournament.
   

UP NEXT:

• Otterbein will welcome John Carroll to Westerville on Wednesday night for a 7 p.m. tip-off.