Box Score

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Cardinal men’s basketball team jumped ahead early but ultimately came up short at John Carroll University Wednesday evening, suffering a 60-52 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) loss.

Otterbein (5-11, 2-7 OAC) flew out of the gate, opening the contest on an 18-4 run that spanned the first six minutes of action.

John Carroll (7-8, 4-5 OAC) clawed its way back and trailed 30-23 at the break, and Otterbein later held a slim 37-33 lead shortly after halftime.

John Carroll found its stride, scoring eight-consecutive points to assume its first advantage of the game, 41-37, with 11:58 showing on the game clock.

JCU held a 50-52 lead as the game clock ticked under eight minutes, but the Cards cut the deficit to 53-50 with 3:18 remaining after an old-fashioned three-point play from senior Zach Bakenhaster.

A potential game-tying three-pointer from Jake Bischoff on Otterbein’s next possession missed the mark, and the Streaks ultimately held on down the stretch for the win.

Junior Colin Echelberry buried six three-pointers en route to a career-high 18 points for Otterbein, while classmate Max Van Meter chipped in 10.

David Hendrickson posted a game-high 22 points to lead John Carroll, which shot .400 from the field compared to Otterbein’s .333.

The Cards stay on the road to finish out the week, traveling to Muskingum University Saturday afternoon for a 3 p.m. starting time. Otterbein defeated the Muskies, 72-60, earlier this season in Westerville.