Albion, Michigan – Capturing their fifth-straight win and marking their best start in program history, the Oberlin College men's basketball team downed Albion 65-60 on Tuesday night. The Yeomen cruise to a perfect 5-0 on the season with a long break before their next match.
 
The Crimson and Gold saw several standout performances, highlighted by a season-best 26 points from JJ Gray. The second-year guard played 30 minutes on the court, scored 11 buckets and added a team-best eight rebounds. Senior point guard Yuuki Okubo added 12 points, highlighted by a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line and two steals.
 
On the defensive end, Zach Smith was notable for his efforts, securing five defensive rebounds, while Milun Micanovic contributed with seven total rebounds and eight points. Assisting in the rebounding efforts were Zach Bronson and Will Bousquette III, who each brought down three balls.
 
The Crimson and Gold established an early lead with consistent scoring efforts, particularly in the paint where they outscored the Brits 16-4. Gray was instrumental, contributing several key plays including a layup at the end of the half to solidify their advantage.
 
The Brits struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only eight of 32 shots, but managed to stay competitive with five three-pointers. Despite the Yeomen's higher foul count of nine to Albion's seven, they maintained control and finished the half ahead, with a score of 27-22.
 
The second half was marked by back-and-forth scoring, as both teams matched each other with 38 points total. Albion took an early lead behind both Jaylen Flaniken and AJ Barden contributing layups, but Oberlin responded when Micanovic and Gray scored crucial points. Tied at 33-33, Okubo drilled a shot from behind the arc to give the Yeomen a confident lead. From the 13:42 forward, Oberlin maintained that advantage until Barden capitalized on a block to take a 47-46 lead for the home team.
 
 In the final minutes, Okubo came in clutch, making six-consecutive shots from the charity stripe to break the 60-60 tie and clinch the Yeomen's fifth victory of the season.
 
Of the historic start, Head Coach Shiva Senthil says, "Feels good to be 5-0. That was such a gutsy win by the guys." He adds, "Albion is such a good team that is incredibly well coached, but our guys found a way to win just like they've done all year."
 
The Yeomen earn a well-deserved break after a hot start to their season, not taking the court again until they open conference play on Saturday, November 30. Travelling to one of the most formidable gymnasiums on the east side of State Route 58, Oberlin takes on Wooster, a team receiving votes in the preseason national poll for a 7 p.m. tip off.
 
Fans can watch all the home matches live online. Home contests can be accessed on a TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.