TIFFIN -- Needing a little more than the scheduled 40 minutes, the Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team won a close battle with OAC foe Marietta in overtime, 93-86. With all five starters in double-figures, the Student Princes won their first overtime game since a win at Mount Union on Feb. 12, 2021.

Heidelberg improved to 7-4, 3-1 in OAC play, while Marietta fell to 7-4, 1-3 in OAC play. 

Six lead changes came in the first half, in part fueled by Elijah Harden's 11-point first half. He led all scorers with 26 points -- and sits at 949 points in his career. Harden has surpassed the 20-point threshold in each of the past three games. 

The seventh, and final, lead change was the biggest opportunity for Heidelberg.


Trailing for most of the second half, Heidelberg erased an 11-point Marietta lead with 7:37 remaining after Eric Panning completed a three-point play, making it 61-60. Heidelberg then edged ahead 66-64 before Marietta tied the score with 4:27 left. Panning put the Student Princes back in front, hitting the first of two free throws with 3:39 remaining. After Marietta tied it at the line, Zane Leitwein drained a clutch 3-pointer to give Heidelberg the lead with 2:07 to play.

Markell Johnson-Nichols connected on three of his final four free throws, but a De'Ovion Price layup with 1.6 seconds left for Marietta forced overtime.

In the extra period, Heidelberg jumped out in front with Marietta staying close. Eric Panning fouled out early in the frame, but his brother, Drew Panning, came to the rescue. The younger Panning paced Heidelberg with six points in overtime, including an emphatic dunk and a pair of clutch free throws. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Johnson-Nichols made it a two-possession game, and a strong performance at the line sealed the win. 

Five Student Princes scored in double figures: Johnson-Nichols (18), Eric Panning (14), Leitwein (12), and Manny Hill (11). Panning picked up his fourth double-double of the season (and third in a row), adding 10 rebounds. 

Heidelberg converted 21 of 27 free throws, including a perfect 4-for-4 in overtime.

UP NEXT: Heidelberg hosts OAC rival Baldwin Wallace on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Seiberling Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.