CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio– The UC Clermont Cougars had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 103-102 heartbreaking loss to Ohio Christian University on Tuesday night. Ohio Christian jumped out to a 49-36 lead at halftime. The Cougars battled back and forced overtime, outscoring the Trail Blazers 51-38 in the second half. Ohio Christian would go on to narrowly squeak out a victory, outscoring UC Clermont 16-15 in the overtime period.
Ohio Christian came out hot and secured a 35-18 lead with 8 minutes to go in the first half. UC Clermont found their footing and cut it to a manageable 13-point deficit at halftime.
The Cougars found themselves down by 16 with 16:29 left in regulation. UC Clermont kept battling and the lead slowly evaporated. The Cougars even took a 2-point lead when Kenyon Gardner dunked it with 24 seconds left to go. Caleb Schmelzer got fouled with just 6 seconds to go and knocked down a pair of clutch free throws.
Caden Zeinner knocked down a 3 in overtime to give UC Clermont a 92-91 lead with 4 minutes to go. Ohio Christian would then go on an 8-0 run to give themselves breathing room. The Cougars fought hard until the end but ultimately came up short. The Trail Blazers had a 102-99 lead with 8 seconds left and Parker Penrod with a chance to ice the game at the free-throw line. The first free throw attempt was no good, providing hope for the Cougars to tie the game. The second attempt was good, giving Ohio Christian a 4-point lead. Robbie Johnson hit a 3-pointer as time expired for the Cougars. Just one shot determined the outcome in this exciting game.
The Cougars went over the 100-point mark for the third game in a row. Caden Zeinner shot 10-14 from the field (3-5 from 3) and finished with 25 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals. Kenyon Gardner shot 9-14 and finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Robbie Johnson hit six 3’s and gave the Cougars 21 points off of the bench. Landon Naylor had 18 points and 7 assists.
Caleb Schmelzer finished with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists. Caleb Joy connected on five 3’s and gave the Trail Blazers 15 points off of the bench. Sammy Detweiler hit three 3 pointers and scored 15 points. Every starter for Ohio Christian scored at least 10 points.
UC Clermont actually out-shot Ohio Christian from the field (59.7% to 49.3%) and from three (45.5% to 35.5%). The Trail Blazers converted 73.3% of their free throws compared to just 46.2% from the Cougars. Ohio Christian won the rebound battle 41-38. Clermont only turned the ball over 6 times while the Trail Blazers turned it over 9 times.
The Cougars fall to 10-5 overall and will host Miami Hamilton next Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. The Trail Blazers improve to 15-1 overall and will host Brescia University on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Written by Eli Altherr