Oakland City, IN - The Oakland City University men's basketball team hosted the Red Wolves of Indiana University East, a team they defeated on the road in double-overtime earlier this season. After the opening period of play, the Oaks scrapped their way to a 49-46 advantage, but were not able to continue their offensive efficiency, falling by the final score of 97-82.
Drake Moore scored 24 points, on 9-22 shooting, while nabbing a game high 10 rebounds, to lead the way for the Oaks.
Domantas Sakickas and
Allen Sims each added a dozen points, followed by
DJ Redding's 10 point effort, who moves within 10 points of scoring his 1,000th in his career in the blue and white.
Jake Johnson led the Red Wolves with a game high 34 points, on 11-15 shooting, while also leading IUE in rebounds with eight. Colt Meyer added 21, followed closely by Bryce Long's 20 point night, both off the bench. Jamisen Smith also reached double figures, scoring 13 points in the victory.
As a team, the Oaks made 33-73 (45.2%) of their field goal tries, including 9-18 (50.0%) from beyond the arc. IUE scored on 34-63 (54.0%) of their shot attempts, going 11-21 (52.4%) from long range. The biggest disparity statistically was at the free throw line, where OCU made 7-11 (63.6%), compared to 18-23 (78.3%) for the visiting Red Wolves.
The Mighty Oaks trailed 41-36 in rebounds, despite leading 12-9 on the offensive glass. OCU handed out 12 assists, one more than IUE, while both teams turned the ball over 10 times. Oakland City also led in blocked shots, 6-5, as well as in steals, 5-3.
OCU will return to action with a quick turnaround, heading to Owensboro, Kentucky, on Thursday, to take on the Brescia University Bearcats. The women's game in scheduled to tip off at 5:30 pm, with the men's matchup to follow.
