OAKLAND CITY, Ind. — Oakland City shot efficiently in both halves and used a decisive second-half surge to defeat Indiana East, 86–72, on Saturday afternoon at OCU Arena.
The Mighty Oaks (8–8, 3–1) finished the game shooting 53.7 percent from the field and knocked down 7-of-15 from three-point range, including a blistering 83.3 percent clip from beyond the arc in the second half. Indiana East (9–7, 1–3) struggled from the perimeter, connecting on just 1-of-19 three-point attempts.
Oakland City built a 43–32 halftime lead and never relinquished control after opening the second half with a 10–2 run. Fletcher Cole led all scorers with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. Kalik Sharpe added 19 points and six rebounds, while Dior Davis chipped in 16 points and four assists off the bench.
Lohan DJ Biatcha was a force inside for the Mighty Oaks, finishing with 12 rebounds and six blocks to anchor Oakland City's defense and interior presence.
Indiana East was led by Jeremiah Landers, who scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed four rebounds. Mikey Johnson added 15 points and two assists, while Cole Henry posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Red Wolves kept pace early and briefly led in the first half, but Oakland City used strong ball movement and second-chance opportunities to create separation. The Mighty Oaks outscored Indiana East 43–40 in the second half and held the visitors to 36.4 percent shooting after the break.
Oakland City also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 21-of-27 attempts, while forcing 21 Indiana East turnovers on the night.
Both teams will return to conference play next week as Oakland City looks to build on its strong start in league action, while Indiana East aims to rebound after its fourth conference loss.
