NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Back to nearly full strength, the Cardinal men's basketball team secured its first victory of the shortened season Friday night with a 94-84 triumph at Muskingum.
Otterbein, fresh off a pair of season-opening losses against No. 2-ranked Mount Union, welcomed back multiple players from recent CoVID-19 medical protocols to snag a much-needed road win behind five scorers in double figures.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Otterbein started strong behind junior Mo Beavers, who scored eight points in the early going as the Cards built a 21-10 lead.
- The Cards held a double-digit lead with 5:09 remaining in the half, but Muskingum stayed close and went into the locker room only trailing 42-35.
- Otterbein remained ahead by seven, 48-41, as the second half progressed before igniting a difference-making run. The Cards embarked on a quick 13-0 stretch over the next three minutes to open a 20-point lead.
- Muskingum battled back nicely, responding with a 16-2 run of its own to slice the deficit back down to 63-57.
- The game of runs saw Otterbein counter with a 13-3 push, extending the lead back to double digits and working hard to hang on down the stretch.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Dallas Patrick delivered for 17 points in the second half, ultimately finishing with an all-around effort of 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. He has scored 25-plus in all three games this year.
- Beavers finished with 19 himself while Reid Black (13) and Cam Evans (10) both contributed nicely in their season debuts. Jake Justice added 11.
- Trey Singleton led the Muskies with 24 points off the bench.
- Otterbein finished a very impressive 23 of 25 at the free-throw line.
UP NEXT:
Otterbein will get back home for a rematch with Muskingum, set for Saturday evening in the Rike Center at 6 p.m.
