Oakland City University held on to beat the Bulldogs of Wilberforce University 105-99, claiming the 2019 Christian College National Invitational Tournament, and avenging their loss from a season ago.
OCU trailed 47-45 at the halftime break, but led by as many 22 points, with just under six minutes left in the game. Wilberforce mounted one final charge, but the Oaks held on for the victory, their first banner since the 2015 season.
Tyler Toopes led all scorers in the game, going 9-15 from the field, including 3-6 from three point range, while making 10-12 from the free throw line, on his way to 31 points. Logan Worthington, playing in his final game as a Mighty Oak, added 27 points, on 10-14 shooting, while hauling in nine rebounds. Nathaniel Schmittler had a double-double, with 15 points and a game best 11 rebounds. Andrew Scott, also a senior, battled foul trouble, finishing with 13 points, while Jacob Sanford chipped in with 11.
Tony Collins led the way for the Bulldogs, scoring 16 points, all in the second half. Deion Gatson posted 13 points, followed by 11 each from Torian Moore and Tracy McGee. Diamondt Thomas rounded out the double-figure scorers, scoring 10 points in the loss.
As a team, OCU shot 31-48 (64.6%) from the field, including 10-19 (52.6%) from three point range. The Bulldogs connected on 37-82 (45.1%) of their shot attempts, going 10-32 (31.3%) from beyond the arc. The Oaks made 33-42 (78.6%) from the free throw line, compared to 15-22 (68.2%) for the visitors.
For the game, the Mighty Oaks held a 37-32 rebounding advantage, despite trailing 17-6 on the offensive glass. OCU handed out 26 assists, while turning the ball over 24 times, compared to 19 assists and 11 turnovers for the Bulldogs.
There were three ties in the game, while the lead changed hands nine times, in a closely contested battle throughout.
In other CCNIT action today, the Eagles of Rhema Bible College defeated Southeastern Baptist College, 95-90, in the seventh place game. Fifth place went to East-West University, as they defeated Johnson University-Florida 89-68. The third place game took overtime to decide, as Campbellsville University-Somerset held off Campbellsville University-Harrodsburg, 88-81.
Tyler Toopes was named Tournament Most Valuable Player, while Logan Worthington earned Player of the Tournament honors. Andrew Scott, Jacob Sanford, and Nathaniel Schmittler each were named to the All-Tournament Team, joining Tony Collins and Diamondt Thomas (Wilberforce University), Titus Ransom (CU-Somerset), Ray McLeod (Johnson-Florida), Antoine Darby (CU-Harrodsburg), and Del Guerrero and Deshumbra Jones (Rhema).
The Oaks finished the season on a 19-game winning streak, the longest winning streak in school history, and will look to extend that going into next season.
Worthington finished as the school's third all-time rebounder, while Scott ended his career as the second leading scorer in OCU history.
