Oberlin, Ohio – Getting their 2025-26 campaign underway, the Oberlin College men's basketball team tipped off against Adrian in their second annual Tip Off Classic. A 39-point surge in the second half wasn't enough for the Yeomen, who fell 63-57 to the Bulldogs.
 
A quartet of Crimson and Gold finished in double-digits, led by Milun Micanovic with 17 points and nine rebounds. Zach Smith knocked down 15 and three steals, in addition to seven rebounds. The junior sharp-shooter showed out at the charity stripe, hitting 7-9 free throws. Rob Magner and Matt Andreopoulos chimed in with ten apiece.
 
Sam Kamenko made his collegiate debut, starting for the Yeomen and playing 29 minutes. The rookie guard notched four points, a pair of rebounds, and led the team in blocks with three. Mouhamed Toure, Uros Petrusic, and Augustus Donohue also made their debut with the Crimson and Gold.
 
Oberlin started their season with a Zach Bronson steal after the senior forced the Bulldogs to turn it over on their first possession. Swapping possession, Oberlin opened the game after Magner scored the first layup. The Bulldogs slowly climbed ahead before they had an 18-point lead with 3:45 remaining. Kamenko broke away with a stolen ball to score on a fast break, but Oberlin remained down 35-18 at half.
 
The Yeomen returned to the court ready to even the score, opening the half with a 12-3 run. Three-pointers from Micanovic and Smith highlighted the run, while Andreopoulos hit another triple to cut the deficit to seven. After 13 minutes of fight, Adam Navarre brought Oberlin back into the first with a free throw to tie the game at 40-40. Magner continued the momentum with the first dunk of the season.
 
Down by six with led than a minute to go, Smith went 3-3 from the free throw line after getting fouled by Adrian outside the arch. Smith scored another pair of free throws in the ensuing seconds, but the gritty comeback fell short as Oberlin dropped the 63-57 home opener.
 
The Yeomen return to the court tomorrow, November 8, for the Consolation game of the Tip Off Classic, taking on Beloit at 1 p.m. In the Championship game, Adrian will play Franciscan at 3:30 p.m.
 
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