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COLUMBUS, Ohio– Capital University men's basketball team dropped an 80-76 decision against the University of Mount Union on Saturday afternoon at the Capital Center.

The Raiders attacked the Crusaders from the arc early on as eight of their first 16 shots were from 3-point range. Mount Union made five of those attempts, establishing a 24-11 lead at the 11:28 mark.

Mount Union used consistent shooting and precise passing to stay on top of Capital, taking a 41-29 lead into intermission.

The Crusaders began the second half with an 8-0 run that was sparked by a 3-point shot from sophomore guard Tyrel Jackson (Dublin, Ohio). With 6:05 left to play, Ben Danhoff (Clyde, Ohio) helped Capital pull within two points after making the first of three consecutive jump shots. Mount Union answered with two three balls from Kyle Scelza and Jarrett Ruffin to make the score 68-63 with 3:25 left.

However, Capital was not finished as it fought back to bring the game within three after Jackson hit a 3-pointer to narrow Mount Union's lead to 73-70.

Mount Union put the game away for good when Ruffin rebounded his teammate's missed free throw attempt and laid it in, making the score 76-70 with 36 seconds left.

Capital received plenty of help from its bench, outscoring Mount Union's bench 38-17.

The Crusaders shot 50 percent from the field (31-62) and 61.1 percent in free throws (11-18). Capital held advantages in points in the paint (34), and rebounds (35).

Capital had five players score double-digit points. Danhoff led the way, falling just short of tying his season-high with 19 points. The senior forward was a reliable 9-for-12 (.750) in field goals. He was followed by Andrew Bolka (Xenia, Ohio) and Jackson, each scoring 15 apiece. Jackson's point total eclipsed his previous season-high (12) Bolka also added a game-high 14 rebounds, recording his fifth double-double of the season.

Mount Union's Jarret Ruffin led all scorers with a career-high 31 points. Ruffin shot 10-for-14 (.714) from the field and 4-for-7 (.571) beyond the arc.

Capital returns to action at the Capital Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4 against No. 3 Marietta at 7 p.m.