Oakland City, IN - In a rematch of a November 23 road loss, the Mighty Oaks hosted the Bulldogs of Wilberforce University, with both teams carrying a 4-10 record. After falling behind 49-43 at the half, OCU fought hard, gaining the lead multiple times in the second period, but were unable to hold on, losing 91-85.
Tyler Toopes led the way for the Oaks, scoring 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds.
Nathaniel Schmittler had a double-double, posting 18 counters and grabbing 11 boards, bwile
DJ Redding came off the bench to also score 18.
J.D. Hoover added 15 points, while
Kase Robinson hauled in eight rebounds in the loss.
Diamondt Thomas paced the Bulldogs, scoring 22 points and hauling in 11 rebounds, while Darnei Hairston came up with 16 points and five assists. Deion Gatson scored 15, while Anthony Jeanty added 13.
For the game, OCU made 35-71 (49.3%) of their shot attempts, despite struggling from three point range, going 6-22 (27.3%) from beyond the arc. Wilberforce connected on 36-68 (52.9%) of their field goal tries, including 10-22 (45.5%) from distance. Each team made 9-18 (50.0%) from the foul line in the contest.
The Oaks held a 42-36 rebounding advantage, thanks to a 17-12 edge on the offensive glass. OCU handed out 21 assists, compared to 17 for the Bulldogs, while trailing in turnovers 18-15.
Earlier in the day, Oakland City University Athletics inducted five new honorees into the Hall of Fame.
Hugh Schaefer, class of 1966, was a teacher and coach at South Knox High School following his graduation from Oakland City College, working his way up the coaching ladder to serve as varsity basketball coach. Schaefer was an assistant coach under two Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame coaches, Sam Alford and Joe Todrank, and is regarded as one of the premier Indiana basketball historians.
Charles Trafton, class of 1967, earned two letters in baseball and one in golf during his time at Oakland City College, going on to teach and coach at the high school lever for seven years after his graduation. After earning his masters degree from the University of Evansville, Trafton returned to OCC as a member of the physical education faculty and head men's basketball coach, a position he held for nine years, coaching the Oaks to one National Little College Athletic Association, now the USCAA, National Championship title, and two runner up finishes.
Dr. Milton Clayton, class of 1971, was a track standout during his time at Oakland City College, setting numerous school and meet records. Dr. Clayton went on to earn his doctorate degree from Oxford University, and serves as associate pastor at Little Flock Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Ron Malin, class of 1972, earned two varsity letters in tennis while a student at OCC, going a perfect 17-0 in one year to set the single season record. Following his graduation, Malin transitioned into various staff roles at Oakland City College, serving as Dean of Students, Director of Intramural Sports, Dorm Director, and faculty member.
Clint Weddle, class of 2004, transferred to OCU after playing his first season of collegiate basketball at South Dakota. During his career as a Mighty Oak, Weddle was a three year team captain, scoring 1,648 points, which now ranks sixth on the all time scoring list. He also holds the record for career three point field goals made, with 331. After his playing career, Weddle coached the Lady Oaks basketball team, earning a third place finish at the NCCAA national tournament in the 2004-05 season, and has also coached at the University of Indianapolis and Indiana State University.
The Mighty Oaks will return to action on Saturday, January 18, when they travel to Midway, Kentucky, to take on Midway University. Game time is set for 1:00 pm.
