Oakland City, IN - Following the crowning of the 2019-20 Oakland City University Homecoming court, the Mighty Oaks basketball team hosted the Chargers of Southeastern Baptist College. After opening a 47-26 halftime lead, and pushing ahead by as many as 32 points, the Oaks saw their lead dwindle down the stretch, but finished off a 100-84 win.
Tyler Toopes posted a game high 36 points, shooting 11-24 from the field, while going a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line, while hauling in 10 rebounds and handing out six assists.
Nathaniel Schmittler also had a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing a game best 15 boards.
Jacob Sanford chipped in 16 counters, while
DJ Redding came off the bench to tally 10.
Orpheus Rankins led the Chargers, scoring 22 points, on 10-14 shooting, while grabbing eight rebounds. Jacobi York added 14 counters, followed by Rasaad Pettis, who posted 13, and Xavier Daniels, who notched 12.
As a team, the Mighty Oaks made 34-76 (44.7%) of their shot attempts, including 11-29 (37.9%) from three point range. The Chargers connected on 30-68 (44.1%) of their field goal tries, going 8-20 (40.0%) from beyond the arc. OCU made 21-24 (87.5%) from the foul line, compared to 16-24 (66.7%) for the visitors.
The Oaks held a 50-36 rebounding advantage, thanks in part to a 14-7 lead on the offensive glass. OCU handed out 26 assists, five more than the Chargers, while each team committed 15 turnovers.
Tyler Toopes moved to 31st on the all time OCU scoring list, passing Sheldon Clay (1986-88), Jared Maners (2009-11), P.J. "Pinky" Powell (1953-57), and Joe Todrank (1957-61) during today's game, and sitting four points shy of the 1,084 total of Brandon Hopf (2008-10).
Toopes will be recognized, along with cheerleader Taylor Pemberton and pep band members Becca Sinclair and Brittany Miles, tomorrow for Senior Day, when these same teams match up again. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 pm, in the Johnson Center.
