WESTERVILLE, Ohio – A tight first half unfortunately turned into a lopsided final result for Otterbein in the Rike Center across Wednesday action, as the Cardinals lost ground to No. 10-ranked John Carroll in a fast-paced OAC matchup.

Both sides exchanged nice blows in a back-and-forth first half, but the nationally-ranked Blue Streaks exploded for 51 points after the break to create distance en route to an 89-68 final.

HOW IT WENT DOWN:

• Otterbein found success early on the offensive side, making some critical shots to lead 18-14 after a second deep ball from Brennan Rains in the early going. The Cards maintained that lead over the midway point of the frame before the visitors closed strong into the break…
   
• John Carroll, benefiting from an influx of higher-level transfers this season, ended the first half with a 14-5 run across a six-minute stretch to flip a two-possession deficit into a 38-33 advantage.
   
• The Cardinals played roughly even over the initial seven minutes of the second half before the Streks took control with a difference-making spurt…
   
• JCU used a 20-4 run over the midway point of the half, featuring multiple three-pointers and culminating with a banked-in heave from Jerry Higgins III at the 8:57 mark. That run would prove to be the difference.

 
BOX SCORE NOTABLES:

• Higgins, a graduatetransfer from The Citadel, poured in a season-high 25 points off the bench. Luke Frazier and Chase Toppin both scored 14 as JCU shot a ridiculous 69% from the field after halftime.
   
• Four players also reached double figures in scoring for Otterbein, including a season-best 12 off the bench by freshman Troy Scowden. He was an efficient 6 of 9 from the floor.
   
• John Carroll posted a 19-6 edge in points off turnovers and 17-6 margin in scoring on the fast break.

 
WEEKEND SLATE:

• Otterbein stays at home to conclude the week, hosting No. 3-ranked Mount Union to begin a Saturday afternoon doubleheader in the Rike.