Senior Michael Onuorah runs through a gaggle of Oberlin players
as he makes a layup. Onuorah made a free throw with 5.5 seconds
left to scoot DePauw past Oberlin 51-50.
DAVID KOBE / THE DEPAUW
The DePauw University Tigers improved their record to 13-6 on the season, and 6-6 in North Coast Athletic Conference play with their 51-50 victory over Oberlin College on Wednesday night at Neal Fieldhouse.
Oberlin took a quick lead in the game, jumping out to an early 7-0 lead. Oberlin led the half 22-28. The Yeomen hit three, three pointers to gain early offensive momentum. They followed the half with spotting shooting from the field.
Oberlin came out firing to start the second half, knocking down their first three shots, forcing DePauw to take an early timeout.
Following the timeout, the Tigers responded with great offensive efficiency going on a 12-0 run. The Tigers eventually took the lead with 5 minutes left in the second half with a lay up from senior Bob Dillon.
DePauw continued to lead the game until the 21.3 second mark when Oberlin guard Jack Poyle made a three pointer to tie the game.
Senior Michael Onuorah drove to the basket in the closing ten seconds of the game and drew a blocking foul. After missing the first free throw, he sank his second free throw and the last basket of the game. Onuorah led all scorers in the game with 15 points. Onuorah would go on to speak about how missing senior forward Tommy Fernitz led to some of his success.
“Well with Tommy being out I was looking to be a bit more aggressive offensively to make up some for his loss,” Onuorah said. “I was fortunate to get the ball in some good spots with the help of my teammates and was able to cash in.”
This win is following another close victory over Denison last Wednesday. Senior Bob Dillion spoke about getting these clutch late season wins.
“It's huge,” Dillon said. “We've adopted a team mentality where every game we play in is a "must win" to us. These two games we were really fired up about because our best player wasn't on the floor, and it's hard on a team losing such an important piece, but because of the scrappiness and unselfishness of the group of guys we have in the locker room, we were able to get it done”.
DePauw forced 13 turnovers and converted those into 13 points. The Tigers also won the battle in the paint 22-18 and had 23 bench points to Oberlin's 22.
The Tigers travel to Alleghany College for a match up on Feb. 6 with tip off set for 8 pm.