WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Capital University men's basketball team returned to winning ways on Wednesday night as they flipped a five-point halftime deficit into a 68-67 win at Wilmington College. The win ended a run of four consecutive losses by the Purple and White, and boosted their record to 5-9 overall and 2-5 in the conference. Wilmington drops to 2-12 and 0-7 in the OAC. 

While both teams shot the ball at a near identical efficiency in terms of overall field goals, the Comets held a superior edge in shooting the ball from 3-point range, knocking down 41% of their deep balls compared to Wilmington's 27%. That difference, to go with one additional free throw make for Capital proved to be the difference in the final score as the Comets escaped with the come-from-behind road win. 

In the second half, with just under seven minutes left in the game, Wilmington's Carson Miles hit a 3-pointer that made the score 64-55 in favor of the hosts. From there, the Comets would finish the game on a 13-3 run to secure the win. That run was kickstarted by a trey from Ryan Suever who was followed by a layup and two free throw makes from Justin Nixon. With 2:02 left in the game, McKane Finkenbine put Capital in front 65-64, a lead that was cushioned by a jumper from Suever with 1:04 remaining. Unfortunately, Wilmington leveled the game on a made 3-pointer, but a Quaker foul with four seconds left sent Dom Moegerle to the line shooting free throws. There, Moegerle would knock down the second of his two attempts to secure the edge. A last-second buzzer beater would misfire, giving Capital the much needed victory. 

THE NUMBERS
McKane Finkenbine was the leading scorer, finishing with 18 points on a sharp 6-for-9 shooting (5-of-7 3PT). He added a pair of rebounds. 

Alex Eyink finished just one rebound shy of a double-double as he tallied 13 points and nine rebounds to go with two assists and two steals. 

Justin Nixon also reached double-digits with 10 points to pair with five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. 

Dom Moegerle and Ryan Suever each scored eight points, with the duo combining for 10 rebounds, two assists and five steals as well. 

UP NEXT
Capital will return to the hardwood with another road game on Saturday, January 18th where the Comets will travel to crosstown rivals Otterbein University. Tip-off in Westerville is slated for 7 p.m. or 30 minutes following the conclusion of the women's game which is set to begin at 5 p.m. 

While this Saturday's game ensures to be another spirited battle in the rivalry series, this match-up will not be the annual Battle for the Oar – rather that match-up will take place at Capital on February 22nd.