#12 Oilers Come Up Short at GVSU
The University of Findlay, ranked 12th nationally, dropped their second straight game with an 81-76 loss at Grand Valley State University on Jan. 4 in Allendale, Mich.
The Oilers got a long three pointer by senior forward Greg Kahlig at the buzzer to give Findlay a 31-30 lead at the half. They then extended their lead to as many as ten points in the second half, but couldn't put the Lakers away for good.
Findlay was clinging to a two-point lead with 1:16 remaining after a pair of free throws by junior forward Jake Heagen. Grand Valley's Ricardo Carbajal then made two free throws to tie the game up before sophomore guard Alphonso Baity turned the ball over. The Lakers then used the turnover to connect on a three pointer to give them a 77-74 lead with only 20 ticks left.
Down three, Kahlig missed a three pointer and the team had to foul. After a pair of free throws by the Lakers, Heagen scored on a layup, but Grand Valley closed the game out at the line.
The Oilers, who fell to 7-3 on the season with a 3-3 record in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play, shot 38.3 percent (23-of-60) from the floor in the game. The Lakers meanwhile hit 53.5 percent (23-of-43) of their shots in the contest. They were deadly in the second half, shooting 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the floor.
Kahlig led the team with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting while Heagen had 12 points and seven boards.
Sophomore guard Dylan Kaufman added 12 points and Baity chipped in nine.
Rob Woodson and Ryan Sabin led the Lakers with 16 points apiece.
The Oilers will return home to host Saginaw Valley State University in their next game, which is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9 at 8 p.m.