Box Score

Richmond, Ind. – A ferocious comeback attempt in the closing minutes came up just short as the Oberlin College men's basketball team fell to Earlham College 82-77 on Saturday afternoon.

Rookie Johnathan Nelson had the best game of his collegiate career by recording his first double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Marcus Johnson matched Nelson with 17 points, while Andrew Fox and Josh Merritt finished with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

“This one hurts,” Head Coach Isaiah Cavaco said. “We did some things well at times and missed some opportunities at other times. We just need to be more consistent and trust ourselves to make the right play.”

Oberlin led 53-51 with 8:35 left to play, but unfortunately went on a four minute stretch without a field goal – allowing Earlham to build a 72-58 advantage with just 2:17 remaining in the game.

However, the Yeomen wouldn't go down without a fight as they fought back to get within four, 75-71, with 45 seconds left to play. Unfortunately, the Quakers were clutch at the free throw line – converting 5-of-6 during the final stretch.

In the first half both teams had a lead of six points along the way, but after 20 minutes of play the score was tied at 34.

Oberlin (2-5, 0-2 NCAC) shot the ball well, cashing in 30-of-53 shots for a season-high 56.6-percent success rate. The Yeomen also ruled the inside with a 44-28 advantage in points in the paint. However, Earlham (3-4, 1-0 NCAC) was also very efficient on the offensive end, shooting 52.8-percent (28-of-53).

The Yeomen will look to bounce back on Tuesday night when they step out of conference to host Kalamazoo College at 7 p.m.