TIFFIN, Ohio - Focus, fight and finish.
The mantra that fifth-year head coach Anthony Gholson drilled into the minds of the men's basketball team at Heidelberg University was exhibited on Sayger Court in Seiberling Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
A 14-3 run in the last five minutes of the first half gave the Student Princes a comfortable a 36-26 lead at halftime. They maintained that edge throughout most of the second half en route to a 66-58 win over visiting Albion College.
Seniors Dane Givner (Pittsburgh, PA/Harvest Prep) and Nate Davis (Dayton/Stivers) led The Berg. Givner finished with 16 points, three steals and four assists while Davis scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
"Dane had a game," praised Gholson. "I thought he got us going early. He let the game come to him."
Albion (2-3) trailed by as many as 15 in the second, but cut the lead down to five late in the game. Gholson responded with a timeout.
"During the timeout, we talked about the importance of finishing," said Gholson.
Givner hit three free throws to ice the game, which was capped by a thunderous blocked shot by Davis.
Heidelberg (4-1) shot 45.6% from the field, while Albion shot 45.3%. Lawrence Ridgell led the Britons with 20 points.
The Student Princes begin conference action on Saturday as John Carroll University travels to Tiffin. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.