1/27/2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio – After keeping pace with the No. 8 ranked John Carroll University Blue Streaks for nearly 36 minutes of action, the Capital University men’s basketball team fell 73-65 at the final horn.
The Comets carried a 59-58 lead into the final 4:24 of the game and then a couple of unsuccessful offensive possessions and a handful of JCU free throws sealed the deal in the visitors’ favor.
The loss sits Cap back to 10-9 overall and 6-6 in the OAC. John Carroll moves ahead to 17-2 overall and 11-1 in the conference.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams struggled to score early as JCu managed just 25% from the floor in the first half and Cap was held to a slightly better 28%. Despite this, the COmets carried a 25-24 lead into the locker room thanks to a late push. Justin Nixon had a huge put-back dunk off a miss from Dom Moegerle and then hit two free throws with seven seconds left to keep Cap ahead at the break.
Out of the intermission, the Blue Streaks answered back by building out an eight point lead at 42-34. From that point on, a triple by Carter Combs, a layup by Nixon, and a layup by Combs trimmed the lead to one.
A timeout briefly swung the momentum back to JCU, but McKane Finkenbine converted a huge three-point-play to knot the score at 46-46.
The Comets then responded with a slew of offense, highlighted by a 3-pointer by Ryan Suever and a thunderous dunk from Dom Moegerle.
At that point, the Blue Streaks took advantage of some defensive stops and then kept their cool at the free throw line to put some separation in the game late, eventually hanging on for the 73-65 win.
THE NUMBERS
Capital was led for a second straight game by Justin Nixon who put up his second double-double in as many weeks with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also added two blocks, an assist and a steal.
Carter Combs finished with 13 points with two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Ryan Suever scored 11 points and seven rebounds. He also had a steal.
Off the bench, Tre Hammond, McKane Finkenbine, and Griffin Doseck combined for 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Notably, Doseck now sits at 499 career points and 382 rebounds, inching closer to two big career milestones.
THE OPPONENT
Points – Luke Chicone (24)
Rebounds – Luka Eller (7)
Assists – Chase Toppin (3)
Blocks – Eller (3)
Steals – Toppin (5)
HALFTIME
At halftime of tonight’s game, the Comets athletic department paid recognition to the 2022 OAC Champion teams of women’s lacrosse and women’s soccer. Both programs won the OAC and qualified for the NCAA Tournament during the 2022 calendar year.
UP NEXT
Capital will travel to Wilmington College on Wednesday, February 1st for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
COURTESY CAPITAL ATHLETICS
