TIFFIN -- At long last, fortune favored the Heidelberg University men's basketball team.  After a month of near misses and gut-wrenching losses, the Student Princes played a complete 40 minutes, upending visiting Otterbein University on Saturday.  With five players in double figures, HU beat the Cardinals, 71-59.  

The victory snapped a six-game skid for The Berg, which improved to 2-6, 1-2 in the OAC.  Otterbein fell to 3-5, 0-3.  

Prince Benson had a team-high 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, pacing the Tricolor.  Off the bench, Emmanuel Perdue had a high-energy 12 points, providing a spark.  Starters Tamal Watkins and Dylan Woods had 11 points while Josh Dixon added 10 points.  Watkins was +23 for the game and added six boards, five assists and three steals.  

Down 25-23 with 3:01 to play, Tamal Watkins hit two free throws -- touching off a 12-0 run to close the half for Heidelberg.  In the run, Perdue had six points … all of which came on fast-break layups.  HU led 35-25 at halftime.  

Heidelberg led by as many as 15 in the second half, but Otterbein did not go quietly.  Dustin Harder hit a 3-pointer with 5:25 to play that drew the Cardinals to within seven at 57-50.  On the ensuing 'Berg possession, though, Perdue knocked down a 3-pointer of his own which helped cool off the visitors.  

The Student Princes were able to move on to victory with enough free throws down the stretch to keep Otterbein's comeback hopes at a minimum.  

Dallas Patrick led all scorers with 23 points.  

Heidelberg forced Otterbein into 17 turnovers while committing 10 of their own.  

After final exams this week, HU returns to Seiberling Gymnasium for one last game before Christmas.  Heidelberg hosts Trine University (4-3) on Saturday, Dec. 21, for a 3 p.m. non-conference battle.