Close Game Ends in Loss for Men's Basketball

OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Brescia University men's basketball team dropped their third conference game in a close loss to division rival, Oakland City. The Bearcats extended their overall record to 4-9 and RSC record to 2-3

This rivalry game was deadlocked from the tip-off as each team traded points on the score board. Some missed shots by the Bearcats gave way for a Mighty Oak 5-0 run as they built a six-point lead with 12 minutes to go. A break in the action from an OCU foul allowed Gonzalo Luque free shots at the line. A few possessions later, Luque hit a wide open three pointer to get the Bearcats with four of the lead. A block by Luque and a Mighty Oak turnover on back-to-back possessions allowed Xavi Tirado and Luque for layups to tie the score. Heading into the break, the Bearcats trailed by two with a score of 36-34.

Coming out of the half, Carrieun Mathis would make the first shot for BU as they knot the score. Damian Garcia continued to make the Bearcat's next nine points as Brescia took a five-point lead. The deep ball shooting started to connect for the Bearcats hit from range on the next three looks. Free throws for the Mighty Oaks with six-minutes to play, gave OCU the four-point lead. The Bearcats battled all the way back but ultimately dropped the contest, 81-78.

Damian Garcia led the scoring with 37 points, his career high, along with three steals, five assists, and five rebounds.

The Bearcats are set to take on #25 Rio Grande at home this coming Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1pm CT