OCU wins #RSCgotw MBB over IU Kokomo, extends win streak to seven
By OCU Sports Information
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Althogh it may not have been pretty, Ohio Christian University managed to find a way to pull out yet another conference victory on Saturday, defeating IU Kokomo, 77-67, in the River States Conference Men's Basketball Game of the Week.
IU Kokomo led by as many as 15 in the first half. Despite the early deficit, Ohio Christian closed the first half strong to take an eight-point lead into the halftime break, 39-31.
The second half was a tight-knit battle, but OCU got the final say for the 10-point win. It was the seventh win in a row and the sixth straight conference victory for the Trailblazers, who are now 12-10 overall, 6-3 RSC.
The Trailblazers were once again led in scoring by Marquis Jackson, who scored 18 points, followed closely by Gary Hoover, who gathered another double-double with 16 points and 15 boards. A key supporting role was filled by Jalen Hearn, who played terrific at the point guard spot, getting 11 points and five assists.
"We just need to keep doing the same things we have been doing," said OCU head coach Tony Stockman. "We did push on them this week in practice, and at times today I thought we let up a little bit. We need to learn how to handle our success and not slow down."
Trent Elliot scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds for IU Kokomo to register four above his scoring average. Antoin Clifton added 21 points as he and Elliott combined for seven made treys for the Cougars. IU Kokomo is 9-13, 4-6 RSC.