NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Capital University men's basketball team was defeated 78-57 by Muskingum University at the Muskingum Recreation Center on Wednesday night.

The Crusaders (4-12, 2-7 OAC) struggled early, allowing the Muskingum (5-11, 2-7 OAC) to score the game's first eight points. Capital's first bucket came at the 15:16 mark when Curt Geise (Delphos, Ohio) hit a three point shot. Before the shot, the Crusaders were 0-for-8 in their field goal attempts. AJ Dixon (Hilliard, Ohio) followed the three-pointer with one of his own before Andrew Bolka (Xenia, Ohio) made his first basket, cutting the score to 10-8.

The Crusaders failed to keep pace with Muskingum as Mitchell Stephens made back-to-back three point shots to push the score to 38-26 heading into the half.

The Fighting Muskies maintained control in the second half, leading by as many as 21 late in the contest.

Muskingum held a 39-31 edge in rebounds and outscored Capital 36-16 in the paint.

The Crusaders shot .341 (16-of-51) from the field.

Capital's scoring leaders were Charles English (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Geise, as both players scored 10 points.

Capital's next action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 24 when it hosts Ohio Northern for a 2 PM showdown.