Jackets’ Starters Propel Past Ohio Christian

Cedarville defeated Ohio Christian Wednesday night 70-61. The Jackets won despite the fact their bench scored only three points and they only made 10 of their 19 free throws.

However, all five of Cedarville’s starters scored in double figures. Dazhonetae Bennett lead the way with 19 points and also had five rebounds. Justice Montgomery had 14 points and four assists. Robert Okoro had 13 points and nine rebounds. JC Faubion had 11 points and six rebounds. Patrick Bain had 10 points and five rebounds.

Both teams struggled early on to even score points. The score was just 3-2 five minutes into the game with Ohio Christian leading. Cedarville head coach Pat Estepp said he was not happy with the way his team started.

“Obviously, very frustrated by the way we started the game,” Estepp said. “We were terrible to start the game. Most of that was probably some guys trying to start fast and press. We just made some bone-headed plays.”

Estepp said it was their defense that kickstarted their team.

“I think the defense got us going. We got out on our fast break a little bit. We didn’t get enough transition points, but I think the defense got us going,” Estepp said.

It got better from there. Both teams started hitting shots and neither team broke away from the other until near the end of the half. Bennett scored 13 points and grabbed two rebounds and two steals in the first half. Faubion also added eight points.

With the score tied at 25 with four minutes and 42 seconds left in the half, The Jackets went on a 12-2 run to take the lead 37-27 with one minute and 43 seconds left in the half. Ohio Christian scored the last five points of the half, including a three-pointer at the buzzer to make Cedarville’s lead 37-32.

Cedarville started to break away in the second half. Okoro scored the first points of the half and then stole a pass on the next possession that lead to a Bain three-pointer. The next basket was also a Cedarville three-pointer, this time by Montgomery. That basket put Cedarville up 45-32.

Both teams kept trading baskets until Ohio Christian only down 65-57 with two minutes left in the game. Bennett made a three-pointer that put the Jacket lead back to double figures and sealed the game.

The Jackets’ next game will be against Wilberforce on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. in Cedarville.

Josh Burris is a senior journalism major and the sports editor for Cedars. He is interested in sports broadcasting and reporting. He enjoys watching sports, lifting, and listening to rock and rap music.