PHOTO GALLERY

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Despite trailing for a large majority of the 40-minute game, Otterbein stayed the course and worked to avoid an upset from Heidelberg inside the Rike Center to begin doubleheader action Saturday evening.

The Cardinals, coming off a thrilling upset of their own at No. 8-ranked John Carroll midweek, outlasted the Student Princes (by a final count of 73-67) in moving to 16-6 on the season.

Otterbein is now also 10-5 in OAC play, keeping a stranglehold on fourth place in the league standings and a potential home game in the tournament.

WHAT HAPPENED:

• Otterbein, looking to avoid the classic "let-down spot" after Wednesday's high in University Heights, fell behind 16-11 after Heidelberg buried a long heave to beat the first-quarter buzzer.
   
• Not much went right in the second period for the Cards, either, scoring just 10 points as the visitors took a 29-21 edge to intermission.
   
• The Cardinals fell behind by 11 midway through the third, used a 9-0 run to creep back within a possession, and then lost ground to end the frame trailing 48-41.
   
• Otterbein erupted for a whopping 32 points in the fourth. The Cards used a 7-0 run midway through to jump ahead for good, all part of a 23-11 run to end the game over the culminating 5:30 on the clock.

 
STAT CHECK:

• Katie McCrary went for 19-6-5 to lead four Cardinals scoring in double figures. She was joined by freshman Haley Dennis and her season-high 13, long with Angelia Jackson (13) and Claire Radabaugh (10).
   
• Otterbein finished with a 38-18 scoring edge in the paint.
   
• The Cardinals shot 67% in the second half and made more field goals (22) than Heidelberg attempted (17).
   
• Heidelberg converted more free throws (21) than Otterbein attempted (18).
   
• The game featured a combined 45 turnovers.

 
NEXT WEEK:
The Cardinals remain at home to finish the regular season, hosting Wilmington come Wednesday night and then Mount Union next Saturday as part of Senior Recognition.