University Heights, Ohio – February 3, 2011 – In a battle between two of the top teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference, host John Carroll University posted an 81-69 victory over Heidelberg University in men’s basketball action.
JCU and Heidelberg entered the contest in a tie for third place in the league standings and with the win the Blue Streaks move into a tie for second with Capital University, while the Berg remains alone in the third slot. JCU improved to 14-6 overall and 9-4 in the OAC, while the Berg stands at 10-10, 8-5.
The host Blue Streaks utilized a 17-8 run over the final 4:59 of the contest to extend a three-point advantage to 12 points, 81-69, at the final horn. Included in its late scoring spurt was a 7-of-8 showing from the free throw line in the last 1:14, while holding Heidelberg scoreless.
In the opening half, JCU built a 14-point lead on two occasions with the latter coming with 4:56 on the clock. Paced by six points from freshman Victor Fortkamp (Saint Henry, Ohio / Saint Henry), Heidelberg went on a 13-4 run to pull within four points, 40-36, at halftime.
For the game, Heidelberg connected on 26-of-63 shots from the field (41.3%), while JCU made 27-of-80 attempts (33.8%). On the glass, John Carroll held a slim 52-49 advantage.
Leading the way for Heidelberg was Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Harvest Preparatory) with a double-double consisting of 15 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with three assists and a steal. Darion Capers (Dayton, Ohio / Trotwood-Madison) finished with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Fortkamp came off the bench to tie his career-high of 13 points. Nate Davis (Dayton, Ohio / Stivers) led the defense with four blocks, while scoring seven points and hauling in six rebounds.
Joey Meyer led four players in double figures for John Carroll with 21 points. Maurice Haynes recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.