Box Score

Oberlin, Ohio – Playing for the first time in 20 days, the Oberlin College men's basketball team put forth a great effort, but in the end they fell just short to Anderson University as the Ravens were able to escape town with an 89-87 win in double overtime.

The Yeomen were led by 21 points and seven assists from senior point guard Josh Merritt, while junior swingman Andrew Fox netted his fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds to go along with six helpers of his own. Sophomore Geoff Simpson also posted his fourth-straight double-digit performance with 17 points.

In the closing moments of regulation Oberlin was clinging to a 69-67 lead, but a turnover in the backcourt resulted in an Andrew Bowman layup that tied the game with 11 seconds to go. With plenty of time still remaining, Fox had a chance to win it, but his 16-foot jumper from the far-side elbow was too strong.

After the two teams battled toe-to-toe for another five minutes they found themselves tied again at 76. In the first session of extra time it was Bowman again who had the game-tying bucket for the Ravens. Oberlin once again had the last possession but Merritt's triple-try was off the mark.

A pair of Anderson free throws to start the second overtime marked its first lead of the game since leading 2-0 shortly after the opening tip.  The Ravens controlled the frame for the majority of time as they built up a seven-point lead, 86-79, with just 1:22 to go. However, poor free throw shooting kept Oberlin within striking distance. The Yeomen would get within four two times in the closing moments, but eventually the clock would run out on them.  The Ravens missed seven free throws alone in the second overtime and finished the game at just 50-percent (16-of-32).

In the opening half, Oberlin led by as many as nine, 20-11, and went into the locker room with a 31-27 cushion.

Both teams shot very well from the floor as the Yeomen finished at 48-percent (36-of-75), while the Ravens were a pinch higher at 48.5-percent (33-of-68).

While the Ravens didn't make many of their free throw attempts, they still made 10 more than the Yeomen due in large part to the wide discrepancy in attempts. OC went to the line just 10 times in 50 minutes of action and cashed in just six.

The Yeomen also lost the rebounding battle by a 48-34 margin. The visitors had 19 boards on the offensive end, which translated into 24 second-chance points.

Phil Hogan led the Ravens with 30 points, while Bowman checked in with 29.

Oberlin returns to action on January 4 at Denison University. Tip-time is set for 7:30 p.m.