Greencastle, Indiana – Scoring 25 points and reaching the 1,000-career points milestone, JJ Gray led the Oberlin College men's basketball team against DePauw on Saturday afternoon.
 
"JJ is a special person and special player. I am so happy for him. Scoring 1,000 points in just three years is so impressive, but it only reflects a part of what JJ has done for this program." Head Coach Shiva Senthil adds, "JJ has changed the standard of success here, and he has made campus better as a whole. He is a special human being, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach him."
 
Gray and the team's second half push gave Oberlin the boost they needed to send the game into overtime, but the Tigers answered the call to claim the conference win. The 75-66 overtime loss puts the Yeomen at 10-11 on the season and 3-9 in NCAC play.
 
Besides Gray's 25 points, the junior also added five rebounds and three assists. Alongside Gray was Zach Smith who hit a trip of three-pointers to finish with 13 points and five rebounds. Sam Kamenko defensively led the team with seven rebounds and three steals.
 
DePauw controlled much of the opening half, scoring early and keeping just ahead of the Yeomen. Jumpers from Milun Micanovic and Gray kept the game within one score, but Oberlin ultimately struggled offensively, hitting just .393 from the field.
 
Down 30-24 to start the second half, the Yeomen caught fire with six-straight three-pointers from Gray, Zach Bronson, Smith, Rob Magner, and Kyryl Streltsov. On Streltsov's triple at 11:20, Oberlin tied up with DePauw 45-45. The Crimson and Gold took their first lead of the game with 4:29 remaining behind a jumper from Gray. Oberlin's second half sharp-shooting gave way to ten triples and forced overtime on the road.
 
Oberlin struggled once overtime tipped off, only hitting a pair of free throws form Smith before the extra period expired. Senthil said, "Although the result wasn't what we hoped, I am so proud of the guys. They did everything they needed to win, and the ball just didn't bounce our way in the last possession. They were tough, resilient, and played for each other. I wish the result was a little different but that doesn't change how incredible these group of guys are."
 
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