The Muskingum men's basketball team used a second-half rally to take the lead late, but it wasn't enough as John Carroll escaped with an 87-84 win.

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (2-3, 0-1 OAC), John Carroll (5-1, 1-0 OAC)
• Location: Anne C. Steele Center
• Attendance: 450

Notables

• The game marked the OAC season-opener for both teams.
• Both the men's and women's game were promoted as a Hoops for Hunger double-header. Fans gained free admission with any canned food, non-perishable item, or cash donation.
• All donations from the event were donated to the College Drive Presbyterian Church food pantry.

How it Happened

• The beginning of the game saw a fast pace of play, with both teams bringing intensity early.
• Muskingum was able to open the game with the hot hand, grabbing a 20-10 lead with 13:00 remaining in the first half.
• Over the next 10 minutes, the Blue Streaks would chip away at the Muskies lead, and eventually tie things up at 36 with 3:00 remaining in the opening frame.
• Both teams would continue their high intensity play down the first-half stretch, and John Carroll carried a slim 42-40 lead into the break.
• Half number two opened with John Carroll erupting on a 16-0 run over a four-minute span.
• However, the Muskies would slowly chip away at the lead, cutting the deficit to single digits with just under 11:00 remaining.
• Using physical play down low, and hot shooting from deep, the Muskies would come all the way back and take a 77-75 lead with 5:23 remaining off a Carson Carter jumper.
• The Muskies would stretch their lead to seven with 3:45 remaining, but John Carroll would battle all the way back and take an 83-82 lead with 1:00 left.
• John Carroll would capitalize on late-game free-throws to hang on for the 87-84 victory. 

Inside the Numbers

• The Muskies were led by junior Noah Begue who registered 15 points on five three-pointers made.
• Senior Alex Masinelli added 14 points for Muskingum, while also snagging a game-high tying nine boards, and dishing out a game-high six assists.
• Senior MJ Smith registered 12 points, while senior Carson Carter added 11 points for the Muskies.
• Senior Noah Tomlinson grabbed a game-high tying nine boards, while also netting seven points for Muskingum.
• Jackson Sartain led the Blue Streak offense with 20 points, while Chase Toppin and Eric Hannah each added 16 points.
• Muskingum finished the game shooting 34-of-70 (48.6%) from the field, and 10-of-17 (58.8%) from deep.
• John Carroll shot 32-of-74 (43.2%) from the field, and 10-of-37 (27%) from three.
• John Carroll edged the Muskies 42-36 on points-in-the-paint.
• The Muskie bench registered 33 points, compared to 20 for John Carroll.
• The up-tempo pace of play led to 18 fast break points for John Carroll and seven for the Muskies.

Up Next

• The Muskies will be back in action on Wednesday, December 8 when they travel to Capital. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.