Oilers Fall to Truman at the Crossover
Cedarville, Ohio- The University of Findlay men's basketball team traveled to Cedarville University for the G-MAC / GLVC Crossover in which they played back-to-back games to open their season. They faced the Truman State University Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 12. Findlay came up short, falling 85-74. This is the Oilers first loss of the season, moving them to 1-1 on the year while the Bulldogs also move to 1-1.
Findlay started slow as the Bulldogs held a 16-6 lead to open the game. However, a jumper by Joey Edmonds followed by a long ball by Jagger Landers put the Oilers back within five with 11 minutes remaining in the half.
But to no relief, the Bulldogs went on a 10-3 run to give themselves their largest lead of the half at 12. Just four minutes later, Findlay had cut into Truman State's lead as they brought the game back within two with three minutes remaining in the first half. Truman State then rattled off ten quick points to put themselves up by eight going into halftime.
The second half proved to be in favor of the Bulldogs as Findlay succumbed to Truman State's dominant shooting performance.
On the night, the Oilers connected on just 27-of-69 (.391) from the floor including 9-of-27 (.333) from deep. Truman State hit an impressive 29-of-55 (.527) from the field and 12-of-28 (.429) from three-point range. Findlay recorded 31 rebounds to Truman's 39. The Oilers outscored the Bulldogs under the basket, scoring 30 points in the paint. The most apparent advantage for Findlay came from their ability to limit their turnovers. Findlay had just seven compared to Truman State's 14.
Senior Nathan Bruns led the way for Findlay. He scored 23 points on 9-19 on the floor, grabbed five rebounds, and added a steal and a block. Senior Joey Edmonds added 15 points while also recording two steals.
Senior Deven Stover chipped in with eleven points and five rebounds.
The Bulldogs were led by Elijah Hazekamp who recorded 23 points along with Trey Shearer who added 20.
The Oilers will be back in action again on Nov. 16 when they host their official season opener against Grand Valley State at 7pm in Croy Gymnasium.
