Granville, Ohio – Notching a career-best 20 points on the road against Denison, Oberlin College men's basketball senior JJ Gray led the team in the North Coast contest. Despite the astounding effort, the Yeomen fell 81-68 to the Big Red.
 
In Gray's highest offensive output of his career, he went a perfect 12-12 from the charity stripe, and 7-14 from the field. He added another three rebounds, two assists, and one block in the match. Zach Smith and Milun Micanovic continued their consistent production with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The duo also combined for 12 rebounds.
 
Gray got the Crimson and Gold offense rolling with a jumper in the paint to start the contest, followed by back-to-back free throws from Micanovic. After a slow start, Denison's offense picked up the pace with a 14-0 run midway through the half. Oberlin responded to regain their momentum, but the lopsided energy saw the Big Red hold and extend their double-digit lead at the halftime break.
 
Oberlin spent the entirety of the second half chasing the home team, ultimately cutting the deficit in half despite only scoring two points from the bench. The Yeomen outscored the Big Red 46-35, hitting four three-pointers, 18-20 from the free throw line, and holding Denison to 8-26 from the field.
 
Although a more productive half for the offense, the damage had already been done in the first half, and it was too great a deficit to summit for the Crimson and Gold.
 
Oberlin takes a short break before returning to home court this weekend on Saturday, January 31. The men's team will play the second game of a double-header against Ohio Wesleyan. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
 
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