The University of Findlay men's basketball team won their fifth straight game against Grand Valley State University as they defeated the Lakers 70-57 on Thursday, December 12 in Croy Gymnasium. The victory gives the Oilers a 5-3 record on the season with a 2-2 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

The Oilers fell behind 25-24 at the break but built a ten point lead in the first five minutes of the second half before the Lakers made another run.

Leading by one at 40-39 with 10:20 remaining in the contest, junior guard Nathan Hyde and senior guard Marcus Parker each drained a three pointer to give them a seven point advantage at 46-39 with 9:22 left in the game.

The Lakers remained in the game for the next four minutes but a three by sophomore forward Rob Marsden at the 4:51 mark put Findlay up ten at 58-48 to shut the door on a comeback attempt by Grand Valley State as the Oilers connected on clutch free throws down the stretch to go along with a back-breaking triple by junior forward Tyler Sparks to break the game open.

As a team, the Oilers hit 46.7 percent (21-of-45) of their shots and drained 22-of-26 (84.6%) attempts from the charity stripe. They also forced 18 turnovers which led to 25 Findlay points in the win.

Hyde led all scorers with 19 points on 5-of-9 shooting. The junior also recorded a career-high six steals to go along with four assists.

Sparks came off the bench to score 12 points and grab four rebounds while freshman forward Jack Smith and Parker added ten points apiece.

Justin Ringler led Grand Valley State with 14 points and ten rebounds.

The Oilers will be back in action again on December 17 when they battle Hillsdale College at 8:00 p.m. in Hillsdale, Michigan.