Listen HereBy: Owen Rode
Email: Rodeo@findlay.edu
The No. 18 Findlay men’s basketball team went on a four day, two game road trip in Nashville, Tennessee and Owensboro, Kentucky this past week. The Oilers faced off against Trevecca Nazarene and Kentucky Wesleyan, both in-conference opponents.
The first game of the road trip in Nashville against Trevecca was a tale of two halves. The Trojan’s came out swinging early and had the lead half way through the first half. However, the Oilers persevered and fought back late in the first half eventually taking a 38-29 lead into half time. They then went on to outscore the Trojans 49-22 in the second half. This gave the Oilers a blowout win 87-51, outscoring the Trojans 50-6 in the paint.
Senior forward Alex White led the way with his ninth double-double of the season. White finished the game with 18 points and 11 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the floor. Junior forward Aaron Overhiser contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds while sophomore forward Chazz George had 12 points and 3 rebounds off the bench.
George was confident that the Oilers had the game in control the entire time, even when trailing late in the first half.
“I think once we got comfortable with ourselves,” said George. “We began to ignore the hostile environment and get into a pace that we like to play in.”
Following the Trevecca matchup, the Oilers made the two hour drive over to Owensboro, Kentucky to take on the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers for the second game of the trip. This outing was one of Findlay’s best defensive stands of the year, holding the Panthers to just 37 percent shooting and 13 TO’s. Findlay on the other hand got what they wanted, shooting 45 percent with 14 team assists.
The Oilers also outrebounded the Panthers by a large 38-29 margin. Aaron Overhiser lead the team by contributing 14 of those rebounds. Sophomore forward Anthony Masterlasco reached double figures with 10 points on a 5-of-6 showing from the floor and sophomore Tommy Schmock led the team with 8 dimes.
Masterlasco was not shockedby the Oilers stifling defensive game.
“I’m not surprised by how well we defended them,” said Masterlasco “We are starting to play really well together and everyone is starting to have really good chemistry on defense.”
The Oilers are now 16-3 and tied for first in the GMAC at 10-2. They returned home Thursday, Jan. 31 for an in-conference revenge game against Cedarville University. The Yellow Jackets handed the Oilers their first loss of the season and the Oilers looked to get them back at home in Croy gymnasium.
