COLUMBUS – The Capital University men's basketball team suffered a tough loss to Denison University on Thursday night, falling by a final score of 87-82 at the Capital Center.

Capital jumped out to a 24-9 lead just eight minutes into the game, while also totaling their biggest lead of the game at 17, which came with just under 11 minutes remaining in the opening frame.

Denison then cut the deficit to just six points, regaining its composure with 90 seconds until halftime.

The Crusaders fought back to regain a solid lead at the break, thanks to back-to-back baskets by junior forward Andrew Bolka (Xenia, Ohio) and a score by freshman guard Tyrel Jackson, increasing Capital's lead to 11 after one half of play.

Points in the paint for the Crusaders came at ease in the opening half, as they outscored the Big Red, 28 to 10.

However, the Big Red chipped away to begin the second half, while the Crusaders regained a solid lead of 12 points midway through the final half of play.

At the ten and a half minute mark, Denison went on a 17 to two run over the next five minutes of play, taking a one point advantage on the Crusaders.

From that point forward the game progressed as one that would see the Crusaders playing for a comeback victory, but to no avail, as untimely turnovers and lack of scoring led to a five point home loss.

In total, the Big Red connected on eight of 13 shots from behind the arc in the second half, while also tallying 12 made free throws on 20 attempts.

Conversely, the Crusaders shot well at 51.9 percent in the second half, but connected on just five of 11 free throws in the final half of play.

Leading the way for the Crusaders was Bolka, recording a double-double with a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Senior forward Ben Jackson (Columbus, Ohio) followed with 15 points, on five of six shooting, hauling in six rebounds, while Augustine finished the game with 14 points on six of 12 shooting.

Sophomore guard AJ Dixon (Hilliard, Ohio) also scored 14 points on a five of seven mark from the field.

In total, the Big Red shot 57.8 percent from the field, connecting on 12 of 19 three point shots, while also converting on 23 of 37 free throws.

The Crusaders in turn shot 53.2 percent from the field, while posting a six of 21 mark from behind the arc, while converting just 10 of 20 shots from the foul line.

With the loss, Capital (3-4 overall, 1-1 OAC) hosts John Carroll on Dec. 14 before traveling to Kentucky for an early season tournament.

Tip-off for the matchup against the Blue Streaks is slated for 2 p.m.