Box Score

Oberlin, Ohio – The Oberlin College men's basketball team couldn't overcome yet another slow start as they were outlasted by the visiting Allegheny College Gators, 83-71, in the NCAC opener for both schools on Wednesday night at Philips Gym.

Point guard Josh Merritt led the Oberlin offense with 20 points to go along with a career-high eight assists. Sophomore Andrew Fox also added 18 points and was just one rebound shy of his third double-double of the season, finishing with nine boards.

The Gators came out hot and led 11-0 before freshman Geoff Simpson put the Yeomen on the board at the 15:12 mark. The Gators, who shot 64 percent (16-of-25) in the first half, built their lead to as many as 20 at 30-10 with 8:03 remaining in the stanza. The Yeomen found a way to reduce the margin to 13, 37-24, but in the closing seconds of the frame Allegheny would make a jump shot, steal the ensuing inbounds pass and make another lay-up to lead 41-24 at the break.

However like they usually do, Oberlin was able battle back in the second half to make things interesting. The Yeomen actually out-scored the Gators 47-42 over the final 20 minutes of play.

Oberlin used a 17-9 spurt that featured seven points from Fox and two triples by Pat Bernhard to get within nine, 50-41, with 13:12 left to play. The Gators built their cushion back out to 16, but once again the Yeomen fought back to make it just a nine-point game at 73-64 with three minutes remaining.

A backbreaking triple-hit by the Gators' Devone McLeod and pair of free throws by D'Andre Corbin put the Gators up 14 with just 1:47 to go. However, five missed free throws down stretch made things interesting as Oberlin closed the gap to just eight at 79-71 with 59 seconds left, but could get no closer.

The Gators shot a blistering 61.8 percent (34-of-55) for the game, which included an impressive 7-of-14 (50%) effort from beyond the arc. However, they did finish just 8-of-18 (44.4%) at the line.

The Yeomen finished at a 49.2 percent (29-of-59) clip, but were hindered by going just 4-of-18 (22.2%) from long range.

The Yeomen will look to snap their four-game losing skid when Ohio Wesleyan comes to town on Saturday for another conference clash. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.