2/3/2023

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University men’s basketball team hosted Ohio Northern on Friday night for some late-season OAC action. The Comets came in seeking the season sweep after a 72-62 win in Ada earlier in the year and that’s exactly what they got as a true team effort led to a 53-50 win on Friday night.

Capital moves to 11-10 on the year and pulls back even in the OAC at 7-7.

Ohio Northern drops to 9-12 overall and 5-9 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a very slow game overall but things started even slower for the Comets as they struggled to find the bottom of the net early on. When Capital was able to get some points on the board, they found themselves in a slight hole but still well within striking distance. 

It took everyone stepping up and making the most of their minutes on the floor to keep Capital in it. Despite stuttering at the start, the Comets never let the game get out of hand. In fact, they never let the Ohio Northern lead get into double digits. Finally, at the halfway point, the men from Columbus found themselves only four points behind, 27-23.

With key contributions from the bench — outscoring ONU’s bench 24-9 — the Comets continued to keep it close in the second half until finally pulling ahead at the twelve minute mark. From there, the Purple and White had to fight to stay ahead in the final minutes. Fortunately, some clutch plays cleared the way and Capital closed it out with a 53-50 victory. 

THE NUMBERS
Nate Gerber and Justin Nixon led the squad in scoring with 10 each. Nixon also led the team in rebounding with seven boards, and also had one block. Gerber pulled down five rebounds, also making two steals and dishing one assist.

Kaleb Crawford cashed in for nine points as well as three rebounds and three assists.

Griffin Doseck dropped eight points with an additional two rebounds, one assist, and one block.

McKane Finkenbine finished with six points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal. 

Carter Combs contributed a team-high four assists alongside five points and three rebounds. 

THE OPPONENT
Points – CJ Napier (18)
Assists – Landen Long (3)
Rebounds – CJ Napier/Will Miller (8)
Steals – Michael Berner

UP NEXT
The Comets will head to Heidelberg next, facing off with the Student Princes on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m.

COURTESY CAPITAL ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS