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WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Otterbein Men's Basketball collected two more wins on its home court, this time sweeping the competition during the 2021 Smokey Ballenger Classic.
The Cardinals survived a scare from an undermanned Olivet team on Wednesday night before going toe-to-toe with Ohio Wesleyan in a back-and-forth slugfest in front of a well-attended Rike Center on Thursday.
The Cardinals, now 8-2 on the season, extend their best start under third-year head coach
Andy Winters; who collects a victory over his alma mater (OWU) and former coach/mentor with Thursday's triumph.
OLIVET RECAP (W 63-60):
It wasn't the prettiest of games the entire way, but Otterbein found a way to come from behind and survive nonetheless. The Comets, a bit shorthanded due to COVID issues, still maintained a balanced effort throughout a seven-man rotation.
The lead changed hands multiple times in a close first half, which entered the break locked at 28-28. Olivet launched the second half with an 8-0 run as the Cardinals played from behind nearly the entire period.
Otterbein trailed by nine (51-42) approaching the midway point of the frame, but stayed the course and made it a one-possession battle down the stretch. Freshman guard
Dominic Cantrella finally put the Cards ahead with 40 seconds remaining… driving baseline, absorbing contact, and converting a layup for a 61-60 edge.
Olivet had three chances to take the lead thanks to Otterbein going just 2 for 6 at the charity stripe moving forward. But the Cardinals' defense held every time, forcing a turnover between a pair of missed layups.
Sophomore
Cam Evans led all scorers with 18 off the bench while Justice (13) and Cantrella (10) also reached double figures. Olivet's starting lineup represented all but three of its points, spearheaded by a 16 and 7 effort from Tevin Ali.
OHIO WESLEYAN RECAP (W 64-60):
The Cardinals all but dominated the first 20 minutes of action, holding the Bishops to just 8-of-29 shooting. Otterbein led comfortably at the break, 30-18.
OWU completely flipped the script to start the second half, using a 16-4 run over the first five minutes to bring things back even at 34. The Bishops then pulled ahead by four before
Dallas Patrick caught fire with a quick four points to tie things back up.
The two sides exchanged leads back-and-forth before the Cardinals finally pulled ahead 58-54 at the 2:20 mark.
OWU was then forced to play the foul game down the stretch.
Cam Evans and
Dominic Cantrella played key roles in closing time, converting on all of their clutch free throw attempts to ice the win.
For his efforts in both games
Cam Evans earned All-Tournament Team status. Evans poured in a game-high 18 points in the win over Olivet and followed it up with a team-high 15 against OWU, he came off the bench in both outings.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Cardinals, who will unfortunately not host Baldwin Wallace on Monday due to COVID issues with the Yellow Jackets, will be back in action come Wednesday night against Ohio Northern. The Polar Bears (also playing in the Ballenger Classic) will travel back to the Rike Center for tip at 7 p.m.
