Oilers Grind Out 74-71 Win Over Chargers
The University of Findlay men's basketball team battled their way to a 74-71 win over Hillsdale College on Monday, Feb. 3 in Croy Gymnasium. The win gives the Oilers a 15-4 record on the season with an 11-4 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
In a game that featured 11 ties and nine lead changes, the Oilers found themselves down two points with 1:47 to play. A few seconds later, senior forward Greg Kahlig swished home a three pointer to give Findlay a 72-71 advantage with 1:31 remaining in the contest.
Leading by one, sophomore guard Alphonso Baity came away with a steal, but his layup attempt was blocked on the other end. The Oilers retained possession, but were unable to come away with a hoop. A missed jumper by the Chargers then gave Findlay the ball back and Baity went to the line where he calmly sank two free throws.
Up by a score of 74-71 with only 15 seconds to play, Kahlig went to the line after being fouled after a missed shot by the Chargers and missed both free throw attempts. Hillsdale's three point try by Tim Dezelski was wide of the mark on the ensuing possession and Baity ran out the clock to secure the win for Findlay.
The Oilers shot 49.1 percent (26-of-53) from the floor in the victory and came away with ten blocks and eight steals. Hillsdale meanwhile hit 48.1 percent (26-of-54) of their field goal attempts and connected on 11-of-20 (55%) three point tries in the game.
Kahlig led the way for Findlay with 29 points, four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and a steal. He hit 10-of-18 shot attempts and also made three triples in the game.
Baity had 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal while junior forward Jake Heagen contributed 13 points and five boards.
Sophomore guard Dylan Kaufman chipped in eight points as the Findlay starters contributed 73 of their 74 points on the night.
Dezelski led Hillsdale with 17 points and four steals while Kyle Cooper had 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Oilers will host Ohio Dominican University on Thursday at 8 p.m. in Croy Gymnasium.