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Springfield, Ohio – The Oberlin College men's basketball team was able to hang tough with No. 17 Wittenberg, but in the end the Tigers proved to be too strong as they defeated the Yeomen 69-57 on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Josh Merritt led the way for the Yeomen with 24 points. Rookie Miles Gueno also had the best game of his young career with 10 points, eight of which came in the first half.

In the opening half the Tigers gained control from the onset and never let off the gas as they claimed a 32-18 lead at the break. Their stiff defense limited the Yeomen to just 25-percent (6-of-24) shooting in the frame.

In the second half the Tigers were able to keep control and secure a double-digit lead throughout. Oberlin did get within 13 points on multiple occasions, and eventually got within 11 thanks to a Geoff Simpson triple-hit with 3:17 left to go. The Yeomen actually outscored the Tigers 39-37 over the final 20 minutes

The Yeomen were hindered by a large discrepancy on the boards as the Tigers ripped down 43 rebounds compared to Oberlin's 24. Also 16 of the Tigers' rebounds came on the offensive end, which translated into 16 second-chance points.

For the game the Yeomen shot 36.2-percent (17-of-47), including an 8-of-24 (33.3%) effort from beyond the arc. The Tigers checked in at 42.6-percent (23-of-54) in the win.

Oberlin returns home to host Penn State-New Kensington on Monday night at Philips Gym. Tip-time is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will also kickoff the SAAC Canned Food Drive. The first 20 fans to donate two canned food items will receive a free tee-shirt and those who donate will also get double Yeo Zone punches.