The Capital University men's basketball team saw its four-game winning streak snapped Saturday, suffering a 75-64 setback at Baldwin-Wallace in an Ohio Athletic Conference contest in Berea, Ohio.
Despite the loss, the Crusaders (15-8 overall, 12-4 OAC) remain in first place in the conference standings, one game ahead of Marietta and John Carroll with two games to play. Capital visits Marietta on Wednesday and can clinch at least a share of the OAC regular season title with a win.
Junior Spencer Niekamp (St. Henry, Ohio; at right) totaled 19 points and shot 11-of-13 from the free throw line to pace the Crusaders, who shot 52.9 percent in the second half after a 29-percent mark in the first.
The Yellow Jackets (15-8, 10-6), who won for the fourth straight time, shot a blazing 73.7 percent in the second half, and led for the final 30 minutes of play and by no less than seven over the final 15:08.
Senior Kelly Winter (Dublin, Ohio) added 15 points for Capital, while junior Mitch Westerheide (Fort Loramie, Ohio) contributed with nine.
Neither team found much of an offensive rhythm in the first half. Baldwin-Wallace led 26-17 at the 5:16 mark, but the Crusaders closed the deficit to five by halftime.
Capital closed to 30-29 just under a minute into the second thanks to consecutive baskets by junior Michael Sommer (Celina, Ohio) and Westerheide. The Yellow Jackets responded with a 13-2 run to take a 43-31 advantage with 14:19 to play.
Niekamp brought the Crusaders to within eight at the 12:27 mark with free throws on two straight possessions, but Capital never seriously threatened to take control of the contest.
The Crusaders outscored the Yellow Jackets 12-5 on second-chance points, while Baldwin-Wallace held a 32-20 advantage on points in the paint.
Capital's game Wednesday at Marietta is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
