TIFFIN, Ohio -- The Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team showed resilience after halftime, but an early Marietta surge proved too much in an 89–69 loss Saturday afternoon in OAC action. The Student Princes moved to 7-7 overall and 1-4 in OAC play.

Jarveil Gainey led The 'Berg with 20 points and nine rebounds. Trey Killens and Markell Johnson-Nichols each finished with 11 points, while Rayshawn Hubbard and Xzander Ream added seven apiece off the bench. Killens also had nine rebounds and four assists. 

Marietta jumped out to a quick 10-point lead, but Heidelberg responded. A 3-pointer by Gainey and a layup in traffic by Ream closed the deficit to two. A strong performance beyond the arc helped the visitors build a 54-34 advantage at halftime. The Pioneers connected on 10 three-pointers in the opening half and maintained momentum throughout the contest. 

Heidelberg responded after the break, matching Marietta point-for-point in the second half and showing improved energy on both ends of the floor. The Student Princes held a 40-26 edge in points in the paint and outscored Marietta 13-10 in second-chance points. 

Despite the balanced second half, Heidelberg was unable to erase the early deficit as Marietta closed out the game from the free-throw line.

The game marked the return to Seiberling Gymnasium for former 'Berg coaches Andy Bucheit and Keandre Graves and a handful of players.  

The Student Princes are back in action Wednesday at home facing Baldwin Wallace. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.