MEN’S BASKETBALL

Up against one of the nation’s best in 11th-ranked Olivet Nazarene, the HU men’s basketball team suffered their first loss of the year, an 86-68 decision, in the championship game of the Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Tournament Saturday afternoon at Platt Arena.

An early five-minute drought spelled disaster for Platt and company. After taking an 8-7 lead within the first two-and-a-half minutes of play, the hosts went stone cold. The Tigers (5-0) took full advantage to rip off 18 straight points by scoring on seven of their next eight possessions to blow open a 25-8 advantage by the 12:41 mark.

ONU’s rampage continued through the rest of the half as they opened up a 56-27 lead by intermission on 64.5 percent shooting. While the lead proved insurmountable, the Foresters kept their nose to the grindstone to cut into the lead by eight, 62-41, seven minutes into the second frame. They went on to close the gap to 15 at 81-66 with three minutes remaining but would get no closer as the difference stood at 18 by the final buzzer.

Caleb Middlesworth posted a game-high 21 points and team-leading 11 rebounds for the double double as well as a spot on the All-Tournament. Joining him on the All-Tourney Team included Spencer Ballinger and Konner Platt who added 19 and 14 points respectively. Platt also handed out a team-best four assists.

John Contant and Nic Reed tallied 18 points each to pace Olivet Nazarene. Three other Tigers in Alex Gross (14), Dane Schlafley (11) and Kensen Vaughan (10) finished in double digits as well.

The Foresters (3-1) have a week’s break before facing Shawnee State Friday at 4:00 p.m. as part of the Terry Polston Hoops for Hope hosted by Grace College.