Related Links:OAC Men’s Basketball StatisticsOAC Men’s Basketball StandingsThe Capital University men’s basketball team enters the week with a one-game lead in the Ohio Athletic Conference standings and two regular season games to play.
The Crusaders (15-8 overall, 12-4 OAC) visit second-place Marietta on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. before hosting Muskingum on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the regular season finale for both teams.
With a victory over Marietta, Capital would clinch at least a share of the OAC regular season title. That, coupled with a John Carroll loss, would give the Crusaders the championship outright and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, which begins next week.
A number of scenarios are still in play as to where Capital could end up in the OAC Tournament. With one win this week, the Crusaders ensure themselves of at least a share of the league title and at least a No. 1 or 2 seed, which would give the team a double-bye to a tournament semifinal, which would be played on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Capital Center.
Seniors Tyler Munro (Lexington, Ohio) and Kelly Winter (Dublin, Ohio), who will suit up for their final regular season game at the Capital Center on Saturday, will be recognized prior to the game for their career achievements.
What HappenedCapital posted one of its biggest wins of the season last Wednesday, defeating local rival Otterbein 86-75 in overtime at the Capital Center. The triumph doubled the Crusaders’ lead in the conference standings and gave coach Damon Goodwin the 300th victory of his career.
Capital pulled away in overtime with a 7-0 run to begin the extra period, then knocked down nine free throws in the final 1:45 to lock down the result. Six players scored in double figures for the Crusaders, led by Winter’s 25 points. Capital put forth yet another efficient offensive effort, shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 25-of-32 from the free throw line.
Junior Spencer Niekamp (St. Henry, Ohio) added 16 points for the Crusaders, who trailed 26-12 just over 13 minutes into the game but posted a 16-5 run to close the first half to take the lead.
Capital saw its four-game winning streak snapped three days later with a 75-64 setback at Baldwin-Wallace. Niekamp shot 11-of-13 from the free throw line to finish with 19 points to lead the Crusaders, who trailed by double digits for much of the second half despite shooting 52.9 percent in the period. The Yellow Jackets shot 73.7 percent in the second half to hold the lead.
Winter added 15 points while junior Mitch Westerheide (Fort Loramie, Ohio) contributed with nine points for Capital, which lost for just the third time in the New Year.
What’s NextMarietta (16-7, 11-5), which was ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation by D3hoops.com earlier this season, has won seven of its last eight games. On Saturday, the Pioneers defeated Heidelberg 82-69 to cap off a three-game road swing. Trevor Halter led Marietta with 26 points and six rebounds, while three other players finished in double figures.
Kevin Knab leads the Pioneers and is among conference leaders in scoring (16.8 per game), rebounding (6.1) and field goal percentage (.586). Three other players average at least nine points per contest, including Halter (9.7). Marietta leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and is tied for second in the conference in scoring offense with 74.3 points per game.
The Crusaders have won the last four games against the Pioneers, including an 82-66 triumph on Jan. 11 in Columbus. Capital shot 54.9 percent from the floor and 9-for-15 from 3-point range and outscored Marietta 45-26 in the second half to pull away. Winter recorded 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Muskingum (8-15, 5-11) enters the week with three straight losses, including a 59-55 home setback against Otterbein on Saturday. Kyle Clinedinst tallied 18 points and nine rebounds to pace the Muskies, who grabbed 14 offensive rebounds but shot just 38.5 percent from the floor.
Clinedinst ranks in the top five in the league in scoring (16.4 per game), rebounding (9.2) and steals (49). Josh Brindley is second on the team with 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest. Muskingum, which visits John Carroll on Wednesday, is tied for second in the OAC in scoring defense, allowing just 65.8 points per game.
The Crusaders used a big second half to defeat the Muskies 76-62 on Jan. 14 in New Concord. Winter and Niekamp combined for 42 points to lead Capital, which outscored Muskingum 42-23 and shot 60.7 percent in the second half.