TIFFIN – The Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team opened up the first of three winter break games with an 84-70 victory over Muskingum University. Keeping his streak alive, Eric Panning led with a huge 25-point, 11-rebound performance -- his ninth-straight double-double to start the season. 

The Student Princes improved to 7-2 (4-0 OAC) while the Muskies fell to 3-6 (0-4 OAC).

With a slow start, neither team could find consecutive baskets until five minutes into the half. Midway through, Jashun Cobb picked up six quick points off a 3-pointer followed by an and-one layup making the score 19-12.

The Berg stretched their lead to 13 following a Markell Johnson-Nichols layup with under ten minutes to go in the half. A Zane Leitwein three allowed the home team to take their largest lead of the half, 43-29.

The Muskies were relentless, outscoring Heidelberg 15-11 in the final seven minutes, fighting their way back from a 14-point deficit to hit the locker room down 43-34. 

The visitors wasted no time to begin the second half and cut their deficit to 45-44 following a 3-pointer from Logan Stotzer. Seeing their lead dwindle, Heidelberg did not give in and brought their lead back to seven, 55-48 following the hoop-and-harm from Panning. 

Although the Muskies would close the gap to single digits on numerous occasions in the second half, The Berg proved to be too much, resulting in the 84-70 victory. 

Ten Student Princes scored in the game, shooting 44.8% from the floor and 33.3% from three. 

Jashun Cobb had 12 points and three steals, followed by Tre Watkins with 11 points and six assists. Brady Bosma scored in double-figures, draining two 3-pointers and two steals, tallying ten points. 

Heidelberg went 17-of-20 from the line compared to the visitors 10-of-19. 

The men's basketball team will take a break before heading to Gallatin, Tenn. for the Music City Classic where they will face Central and Alfred on Dec. 29 and 30.