The Mighty Oaks carried on their winning streak, taking their 17th straight victory, opening up their first round of the 2019 Christian College National Invitational Tournament with a 110-56 drubbing of Southeastern Baptist College.
All five OCU starters reached double digits in the scoring column, led by Logan Worthington's 21 point, 13 rebound effort, both game highs. Andrew Scott added 19 counters, followed Jacob Sanford's 16 point effort. Nathaniel Schmittler posted 13 counters, while Tyler Toopes chipped in with 10.
Matias Pruitt led the way for the Chargers, scoring nine points, followed by eight each from Jalen Lett and Garin Arabie. NaQuadric McGruder posted seven points, while Artrell Petties grabbed a team best nine rebounds, while scoring four points.
As a team, the Mighty Oaks connected on 34-69 (49.3%) of their shot attempts, scoring on 6-22 (27.3%) from beyond the arc. SBC made 20-69 (29.0%) from the field, going 6-35 (17.1%) from long range. OCU made 36-45 (80.0%) from the charity stripe, compared to 10-16 (62.5%) for the Chargers.
Oakland City University's free throw night ranked second all-time in both made free throws in a game, and attempted free throws in a game. Worthington moved into a tie for third on the all-time rebounding list, joining OCU great Nathan Schumacher.
For the game, OCU held a 57-34 rebounding advantage, including a 19-15 edge on the offensive glass. The Oaks handed out 20 assists, equal to their turnover total, while SBC had four assists and 26 turnovers.
In the opening game of the CCNIT, the defending champion Bulldogs of Wilberforce University held off the Phantoms of East-West University 71-63. Game two saw Campbellsville University-Harrodsburg outlast Rhema Bible College 102-96, while game three finished with Campbellsville University-Somerset downing Johnson University-Florida 106-93.
The day two schedule will begin with East-West facing Rhema Bible at 1:00, followed by Johnson-Florida against Southeastern Baptist at 3:00, in the consolation semifinals. In the winners' bracket, Wilberforce will face Campbellsville-Harrodsburg at 5:00, followed by Campbellsville-Somerset against Oakland City at 7:00.
