Oakland City, IN - Three Oakland City University men's basketball seniors were recognized prior to their matchup against the Cougars of Indiana University Kokomo, as
Allen Sims,
DJ Redding, and
Domantas Sakickas are each set to graduate at the end of the year. After battling to a 37-35 halftime deficit, the Oaks were unable to keep pace with the Cougars, losing 85-66, and dropping to 9-18 on the year, including 3-14 in River States Conference play. IUK improved to 20-7 overall, with a conference record of 14-3 as leaders of the RSC west division.
Drake Moore led all scorers in the game, posting 25 points, on 9-14 shooting, for the OCU side.
DJ Redding added 10 counters, including reaching 1,000 career points on his first basket of the game.
Allen Sims contributed nine points, along with a game high seven rebounds, while joining Redding with a game best six assists.
Hunter White paced the Cougars, with an efficient 6-7 shooting night, on his way to 17 points. Darian Porch added 15 counters, followed closely by Noah Harris, who came off the bench to score 14 points. Hunter Jackson and Xavier Hines also reached double-figures in the scoring column, adding 10 points apiece to the IUK side of the ledger. Porch grabbed a team best six rebounds, while White dished out five assists to lead the Cougars in the win.
As a team, the Oaks made 24-60 (40.0%) of their shot attempts, making 5-14 (35.7%) from beyond the three point line. IU Kokomo connected on 27-51 (52.9%) from the field, including 5-13 (38.5%) from long range. OCU went 13-22 (59.1%) from the foul line, while the Cougers made 26-36 (72.2%) of their free throws.
Oakland City trailed in rebounds 41-32, despite leading 9-8 on the offensive boards. Assists were tied with 14 per team, while the Oaks held a 13-10 lead in the turnover column. OCU nabbed eight steals, compared to five for the visitors, while leading in blocked shots 4-2.
The Mighty Oaks will conclude their season on the road in Terre Haute, Indiana, when they take on the Pomeroys of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Game one of the women's and men's double-header is scheduled to tip off at 5:30.
