Oakland City, IN - In the 2020-21 regular season finale, the Mighty Oaks hosted the Cougars of Indiana University Kokomo, looking to avenge their 115-65 loss from December 14. After playing to a 40-40 halftime tie, the Oaks fell behind by as many as 11 in the second period, but were able to retake the lead with just under three minutes to play. Then, trailing by two with 13 seconds left,
Jeremiah Blair sank a pair of free throws, followed by a defensive stand by the Oaks to send the game into overtime, tied 75-75. However, in the extra period, OCU never led, losing by the final score of 91-83.
Donovan McNeal and
Jacob Sanford each scored 15 points to lead the way for Oakland City, while McNeal hauled in a game high 14 rebounds.
Tyler Camplin added 14, followed by 11 each from Blair and
Adam Billingsly, while
Nathaniel Schmittler chipped in 10 counters before fouling out.
DJ Redding handed out seven assists, a game high, one more than Camplin's six, while Blair came up with four steals.
Desean Hampton led the way for the Cougars, scoring 18 points, followed by 17 tallies and eight boards from Billie Webster. Xavier Hines came off the bench to post 13, matched by Allante Harper's total, while Trequan Spivey added a dozen points in the win. Webster nabbed a game best five steals, while Jaylen Gilbert and Zach Rinehart each grabbed seven rebounds to lead the team.
There were a total of 11 ties and 13 lead changes in what was a tight battle throughout. The Oaks led 19-16 in points following turnovers, while the Cougars were ahead 38-36 scoring in the paint. OCU was called for 28 fouls, leading to 36 foul shots for IUK, of which they made 30, while the Cougars were whistled for 14 fouls, leading OCU to go 21-24 from the line.
As a team, OCU nabbed 39 rebounds, trailing the 46 hauled in by IUK, while each team snatched 12 offensive boards. The Oaks made 27-71 (38.0%) from the field, including 8-25 (32.0%) from three point range, while the Cougars scored on 27-66 (40.9%) of their shots, going 7-18 (38.9%) from beyond the arc.
These teams will square off for a third time this season in the opening round of the River States Conference Tournament. OCU will carry a record of 5-17 against IUK's 6-1 mark into the game, scheduled to tip off at 6:00 central time, in Kokomo, Indiana, on Monday, February 22.
