Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay men's basketball team lost to the Walsh Cavaliers on Thursday, Dec. 18 in Croy Gymnasium by a final of 77-68. The defeat came one week after the two teams met in North Canton, a game that also ended in victory for the Cavaliers. With the loss, the Oilers fall to 8-3 overall with a 3-2 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while the Cavs improve to 8-1 (3-1 G-MAC).
 

The first half was a struggle for Findlay which hit just 8-of-29 including 1-of-14 from three in the first 20 minutes. Walsh held a 36-26 lead at the break, holding UF to its' lowest halftime total this season.
 

The Oilers finished at 42.6% overall but only 15.4% from three-point range. Despite the cold start, Findlay's bench sparked a comeback after halftime, outscoring Walsh's reserves 42-17 in the game.
 

Trailing by 13 early in the second half, the Oilers mounted a surge behind Javonte Hill, who scored 11 of his team-high 13 points after the break. Hill's energy fueled a 17-6 run that cut the deficit to 44-43 with 15 minutes remaining. Alex Kendall and Jake Bishop contributed key baskets during the stretch, and Findlay's defense forced multiple turnovers to swing the game.
 

Walsh responded, however, with a 9-2 spurt, highlighted by Brayden Gross and Quintero Barnett, to regain control. Gross led the Cavaliers with 16 points and eight rebounds.
 

Hill led the way for the Oilers, scoring a career-high 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Senior Mason Brandt led the team with eight rebounds to go along with four points while senior Jagger Landers had eight points and a career-high four blocks.
 

Findlay is back in action on Saturday, Dec. 20 for a non-league matchup at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich.