ATHENS, Ohio – The Otterbein men's basketball team showcased itself for the first time this season on Thursday night, and did so admirably in a 67-49 exhibition loss at Division I Ohio University inside the Convocation Center.

The Cardinals hung within single digits for most of a rather tight first half, ultimately going into the locker room trailing 39-27. Both sides then traded possessions in another competitive frame… where the Bobcats held a six-point edge to pull away.

The Otterbein trio of Cam Evans (14), Julian Heckman (13) and Jack Clement (12) represented 39 points together, while also combining to snag 15 rebounds on the night. Heckman shot 6 of 14 from the field.

Ohio committed 18 turnovers from start to finish but held edges in bench scoring (23-4), points in the paint (38-22) and second-chance buckets (16-6).
Otterbein freshman Chase Garito led all players with four assists.

Jaylin Hunter (13) and AJ Brown (10) paced the Bobcats with 23 points collectively. OU went 19-14 last year and lost a close battle with regular-season champ Toledo in the MAC Semifinals.

Otterbein will now gear up to host Earlham in the regulars-season opener next Wednesday, November 8 in the Rike Center.