COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University men's basketball team managed to fend off the No. 16 nationally ranked Purple Raiders of Mount Union in an absolute thriller at home, with a final score of 79-72. Capital's relentless defense as well as their impeccable game plan execution are what led them to victory.

The win propels the Comets to 14-7 overall, and 8-6 in the conference as well as extending their win streak to four games. The loss drops the Purple Raiders to 17-4 overall and 10-4 in OAC conference play.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Capital came out of the locker room focused and ready to play. Despite hard-nosed defense by both teams, the Comets scored first and took-off from there, leading for 70% of the contest. The Comets were led at half by the big man duo of Justin Nixon and Baden Forup, scoring 10 and 8 respectively. Nixon's 8 points were supported by 7 rebounds to round out the first half. The Comets' unselfishness with the ball and relentless effort on defense kept them up by double digits at halftime, with a score of 44-33.

A sequence of buckets from Capital started off the second half, extending the Comet lead to as much as 17. Mount Union was far from finished though, putting together a massive comeback, eventually tying the game at 61-61. The Purple Raiders seemed to have the edge until a clutch three-pointer from Dom Moegerle with 2:32 left on the clock put the Comets up 71-68. In the end, Mount Union's comeback effort was in vain as Justin Nixon threw down a thunderous dunk and Carter Combs put away a few clutch free-throws to seal a Comet win with a final score of 79-72.

THE NUMBERS
Justin Nixon had a monster game with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, leading the Comets in each of those categories.

Carter Combs (15 pts), Justin Nixon (17 pts), Dom Moegerle (11 pts), Baden Forup (14 pts), and Alex Eyink (10 pts) all had double-digit scoring.

Combs demonstrated his court vision, leading the Comets with 6 assists.

Moegerle played hard defense all night, and made out with 3 steals.

UP NEXT
Capital Men's Basketball will travel to Tiffin, Ohio on February 7th to take on the Student Princes of Heidelberg with hopes of keeping their win streak alive.