WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- In front of a packed house of nearly 2,000 fans, the Capital University men's basketball team took down their rivals, the Otterbein Cardinals, on Saturday night. The 63-61 win to cap off the night was the first win of any Capital athletic program over Otterbein this year, handing the Cardinals' basketball program their first loss of the season at home. 

Capital, now 9-7 overall and 4-5 in the OAC, took down the Cardinals for the first time since February 1, 2020 and their first at the Rike Center since December 7, 2019 -- the last time Capital played a road game at Otterbein. Capital now hasn't lost at Otterbein since the 2010-11 season. 

Leading the way on the night was David Sanford who poured in 15 points and Tyler Schreck and Kaleb Crawford who each netted 13 points a-piece. Schreck shot a cool 60% from the floor, while Crawford earned his money at the charity stripe, converting 7-of-8 free throw efforts. 

On a fairly low rebounding night for both teams, Schreck led all players with seven boards. He was also crucial defensively, having a game-high three steals and a block. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The first ten minutes of the game were heavily contested as the rival schools traded points and the lead. It wasn't until midway through the first half when Capital started to break away. Tied 8-8 after just over six minutes of play, Ryan Roth came off the bench to knock down a big 3-pointer that gave Capital a lead that they would hold onto for nearly the rest of the contest. 

Led by Tyler Schreck, who had 10 points in the final 12 minute stretch, Capital eventually built out a 34-29 lead at the half. 

Emerging from the intermission, Capital dominated the game, holding the Cardinals at bay by eight to 10 points for much of the stanza. 

A free throw by Tyler Schreck with 7:23 left in the game put Cap ahead by their largest lead of the game at 54-44. From there, Otterbein began to chip away at the Capital lead, eventually tying the game at 56-56. 

With the ballgame tied, Capital got a huge five point spurt from David Sanford that put Cap ahead 61-56 with just over two minutes left. 

Once again though, the lead would be chipped away at by the Cardinals who again tied the score at 61-61 – with just 24 seconds left. 

There, a huge offensive rebounding effort from Alex Eyink enabled the freshman guard to work his way to the free throw line. Eyink was fouled by Dallas Patrick after securing his second offensive board in a row. 

Staring down the raucous Otterbein student section, Eyink kept his cool and – as the Otterbein broadcast said – "had ice in his veins" to sink both free throw attempts, putting Cap back ahead 63-61. 

After some timeouts from both teams, Otterbein had two efforts to level the score, but some lockdown defense from Kaleb Crawford forced two tough attempts from Cam Evans and Jake Justice that ultimately went for nothing, thus sending Capital into a frenzy at the center of the Rike Center. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Alex Eyink had just three rebounds in the game, all of which came on the offensive glass. His final two boards were arguably the biggest rebounds of the season as Eyink's efforts to keep the ball alive enabled him to get to the line to ice the game with two free throw attempts. Further impressive, Eyink struggled at the line tonight, going just 1-for-5 heading into his final two efforts, thus showing incredible poise to come up with the big shots when it mattered most. 

Capital's win at the Rike Center marked Otterbein's first loss on their home court this season, snapping an eight game winning streak this season. Capital has held a firm grasp on the series record for games played at the Rike Center for the past 12 years, not having lost a road game to Otterbein since the 2010-11 season. 

THE OPPONENT
Jake Justice led the Cardinals with 14 points, while Justin Carter added 11 points. Justice and Reid Black led Otterbein (11-5, 5-4) in rebounding with six each. 

UP NEXT
The Capital men look to go back-to-back in their next contest, taking on Muskingum this Wednesday in New Concord. Tip-off for that game will take place at 7 p.m.