mbb20241207
Morgan Kocher
96
Winner Heidelberg HEID 5-4,2-1 OAC
76
Otterbein OTT 4-3,1-1 OAC
Winner
Heidelberg HEID
5-4,2-1 OAC
96
Final
76
Otterbein OTT
4-3,1-1 OAC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Heidelberg HEID 40 56 96
Otterbein OTT 38 38 76

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Panning hits 1,000, Berg flies past Cardinals in road win

WESTERVILLE – After an exciting first half that saw 14 lead changes, the Heidelberg Men's Basketball team pulled away in the second half to secure a commanding 96-76 victory over Otterbein on Saturday. With the win, the 'Berg improved to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in OAC play. The Cardinals fell to 3-4, 1-1. 

The opening 20 minutes featured a thrilling back-and-forth, with both teams trading blows in a game that remained on a razor's edge. Heidelberg entered the halftime break with a slim 40-38 lead, thanks to an Eric Panning dunk with less than 15 seconds to go.

Heidelberg wasted no time taking control after the break, going on a scoring fury that saw them extend their lead to 15 points within the first five minutes of the second half. The Student Princes never looked back, outscoring Otterbein 56-38 in the final frame to put the game out of reach.

Heidelberg's attack overwhelmed the Cardinals, with four players scoring in double figures. The Student Princes were led by Elijah Harden with 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers and adding three assists. Eric Panning had another stellar game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks. He also hit another career milestone, collecting his 1,000th point in this game. Markell Johnson-Nichols contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Zane Leitwein added 12 points, shooting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.

The 'Berg's depth was on full display, with their bench contributing 31 points and the team shooting a hot 58.3% (14-24) from three-point range. Defensively, Heidelberg's presence was felt throughout the game, recording eight steals, and forcing 11 turnovers, while blocking six shots. They also scored 16 points off turnovers.

Heidelberg will be back in action at Wittenberg on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7:00 p.m.
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