The Capital University men's basketball team fell behind early and was unable to recover Monday, suffering a 76-55 setback at local foe Ohio Wesleyan in a non-conference affair in Delaware, Ohio.
Playing for the first time since Dec. 17, the Crusaders (5-6 overall) found themselves behind 13-3 just over five minutes into the first half and never led in the contest.
Junior Michael Sommer (Celina, Ohio) led Capital with nine points, while classmate Spencer Niekamp (St. Henry, Ohio) totaled seven points and four rebounds. The Crusaders endured an off night from the field, shooting a season-low 26.8 percent from the field.
The Battling Bishops (11-1), who are receiving votes in the latest D3hoops.com Top 25 poll, shot 62.3 percent from the floor in the game. The two teams combined for just 12 turnovers.
After trailing by 10 in the early minutes, Capital cut its deficit to 20-15 just under midway through the first half after a 3-pointer by Niekamp. Ohio Wesleyan quickly responded with a 7-0 run to extend its advantage back to double digits and didn't look back.
Sophomore Ben Danhoff (Clyde, Ohio; at right) and freshman Daniel Ocke (Sidney, Ohio) each grabbed a team-high six rebounds for the Crusaders, who recorded 20 offensive rebounds and made 12 free throws compared to six and five, respectively, for the
Battling Bishops.
Capital returns to Ohio Athletic Conference play this Wednesday at rival Otterbein. Tip-off in Westerville, Ohio, is slated for 7:30 p.m. The Crusaders enter the New Year with a 2-2 mark in league play.
