ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Capital University men's basketball team fell to 3-5 (0-2 OAC) after a tight 71-65 loss at Mount Union on Saturday afternoon. The Purple Raiders are now 5-2 (2-0 OAC) on the season. 

The Comets closed the final 1:43 of the half on a seven point run that trimmed an 11-point deficit to just four points at the intermission. THe run was started by a layup from Justin Nixon, followed by a made 3-pointer from McKane Finkenbine soon after. The half ended as Nixon beat the buzzer on a layup that was assisted by Finkenbine. The halftime break found the Comets trailing 32-28, but with momentum on their side for the second half. 

Out of the halftime break, Capital tied the game at 32, thanks to a jumper and two free throws from Alex Eyink. Cap then went ahead 34-32 thanks to a bucket from Se'Ron Calloway-White. Both teams then traded buckets in quick succession with Justin Nixon putting Cap back ahead 36-34. From there, Mount Union garnered a 37-36 lead after an and-one play. With that lead, the Purple Raiders carried that advantage through to the end of the game, sealing a 71-65 win. Capital did close it to within one point again at 52-51 on a jump shot from McKane Finkenbine, but the hosts responded strongly.

The difference in the score proved to be at the free throw line as Capital and Mount both shot 40% form the floor, with the Purple Raiders scoring 22 free throws compared to Capital's 14 charity shots. 

THE NUMBERS
Justin Nixon led Capital with 18 points and nine rebounds. He also dished out four assists, recorded one block and had a team-best four steals. 

Alex Eyink was next in scoring with 13 points to go with five rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist. 

McKane Finkenbine also reached double-digits with 11 points paired with six rebounds and a team-high six assists. 

Dom Moegerle (9) and Se'Ron Calloway-White (7) rounded out the scoring leaders for Cap. 

UP NEXT
Capital will return back to The Capital Center for their final home game of 2024 on Saturday, December 14th. The Comets will host a 1 p.m. tip-off vs. visiting Ohio Northern University in that contest. Capital will not play during the week this week due to fall semester finals taking place at the university.