SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- The Heidelberg University men's basketball team closed out 2016 on the wrong end of a 77-72 decision at Wittenberg University on Thursday. Chris Moxley had a game-high 21 points and Myron Prewitt tallied his second double-double of the year in the loss.

Heidelberg has dropped two straight and stands at 6-5 overall. Wittenberg improved to 6-3 with the non-conference victory.

Turnovers hampered the Student Princes in the first half as the Tigers pushed out to a commanding lead. A layup by Connor Seipel with 13:19 let in the period capped a 10-0 Wittenberg run that gave them a 16-6 lead. The Tigers would lead by as many as 14 in the half and went into halftime up 10, 38-28. A total of 11 HU turnovers resulted in 16 points for the hosts.

In the second half, a pair of Prewitt free throws with 10:16 remaining cut the Heidelberg deficit to six points. The Tigers would respond by scoring six straight points to bring their lead back to 12.

Moxley's layup with 5:39 to play brought the Student Princes down 61-60. The bucket capped an 11-0 run for the Student Princes. Undaunted, Wittenberg responded at the other end with a three-point play, pushing their lead back to four points.

Heidelberg stayed within striking distance for the rest of the game, but were unable to regain control of the scoreboard. Last-minute free throws for the Tigers sealed the 77-72 victory.

Prewitt tallied 12 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Alex Arellano contributed a career-high 11 points off the bench.

The Student Princes ring in the new year with a trip to University Heights on Jan. 4. Tipoff with John Carroll (3-5, 2-2 OAC) is slated for 7 p.m.