Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay men's basketball team erased a 19-point deficit but still came up shy at home on Thursday, Jan. 15 against the Lake Erie College Storm. The Oilers came up on the short end of a 99-94 final to fall to 11-6 and 5-4 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) while Lake Erie improves to 11-5 (5-3 G-MAC).

Down 67-54 with just over 14 minutes remaining, Findlay's bench fueled the surge that reignited the home crowd. Senior Jagger Landers scored consecutive buckets, and junior Jake Bishop caught fire from the perimeter, knocking down a trio of three-pointers during the stretch. Bishop's final triple, a fast break three with 10:33 remaining, completed the 15-5 run and tied the game at 69-69.

Lake Erie answered with a three on the ensuing possession, regaining the lead and preventing Findlay from ever moving in front. The Oilers battled late as senior Mekhi Elmore hit a pair of fast break threes in the final minute to keep the game within reach, but Lake Erie's 51-point second half proved too much.

Elmore led Findlay with a career-high 31 points and nine rebounds. Bishop finished with a season-best 17 points off the bench and was key in the second-half comeback, while senior Anthony Johnson added 16 points and five assists. Landers contributed eight points and seven rebounds.

Findlay shot 44.3% from the field and 38.7% from three, totaling 18 second-chance points, 40 points in the paint, and 32 points off the bench. Lake Erie countered with 14 made threes, on an astounding 40 attempts, and a 46.6% shooting performance.

The Oilers are back in Croy on Saturday, Jan. 17 with a game against Ohio Dominican. Tip is set for 3:00 pm.