Capital (4-6 overall, 2-2 OAC) took a seven-point lead into the intermission by distributing the ball around to seven different scorers and shooting percentages above 42 percent from field-goal range and behind the arc. The Crusaders held the Purple Raiders to just 32 percent shooting in the first half, but the hosts stepped their game up in the second session.

In the second half alone, Mount Union's Jarrett Ruffin and DeAllen Jackson scored 15 points each and combined to go 7-for-9 shooting from the field. It fed into the team's shooting success, which hit 68.4 percent total and 62.5 percent from three-point range.

Mount Union (5-2, 4-0), the OAC preseason favorite, overcame their halftime deficit and tied the game when Ruffin completed a three-point play after driving to the hoop and connecting on the ensuing free throw shot. Nate Jacubec benefitted from being fouled and hit another two free throws to take a 44-42 lead.

Shortly thereafter, the Purple Raiders made its move while leading 49-47. They then went on a 15-2 run to separate themselves for good.

In his second game with the Crusaders, junior Josh Pollner (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty) had a career day with a flawless night shooting and career-high 16 points. He went a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and added eight rebounds, also a career best. His previous highs were 12 points and seven rebounds dating back to his time at Heidelberg University.

Charles English (Cincinnati, Ohio) scored 10 points and added two steals in 19 minutes on the floor.

Capital held the advantage over Mount Union in rebounds, 29-24, and outscored its bench, 37-10. The breaking point resided in the Crusaders' 19 turnovers which led to 26 Purple Raider points.

In its next action, Capital will travel to Oxford, Ohio to take on NCAA Division I opponent University of Miami, competing out of the Mid-American Conference. The Crusaders will tipoff against the RedHawks in Millett Hall at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29.