Findlay, Ohio — The University of Findlay men's basketball team put on an offensive display Friday, January 17, cruising past Ohio Dominican 106–92 in a Great Midwest Athletic Conference matchup at Croy Physical Education Center. The win lifts the Oilers to 12–6 overall and 6–4 in G-MAC play, while the Panthers slip to 12–5 (6–3 G-MAC) and fall out of a tie for first place in the conference standings.
The contest opened at a fast pace, with both teams trading baskets in the early minutes. Senior
Mekhi Elmore jump started Findlay with a strong finish inside, and Ohio Dominican countered with perimeter shooting to keep the game tight. Multiple lead changes defined the opening 10 minutes, as neither team was able to gain more than a brief edge.
Findlay found its rhythm midway through the first half, capitalizing on transition opportunities and second-chance points. Scores from senior
Mason Brandt and sophomore
Alex Kendall fueled a short run, but the Panthers responded to regain the lead late in the period.
The Oilers closed the half with momentum, using timely baskets in the final two minutes to take a narrow 48–45 lead into the locker room.
Findlay wasted little time extending the advantage in the second half. Elmore opened the period with aggressive drives to the basket, while junior
Anthony Johnson knocked down consecutive scores to push the margin to eight. Ohio Dominican briefly trimmed the deficit, but the Oilers answered with a decisive run sparked by defensive pressure and fast-break finishes.
Midway through the half, Findlay seized full control. Sophomore
Steele Meister provided an immediate spark off the bench, scoring on consecutive possessions, including a pair of three-pointers that ignited the home crowd and stretched the lead into double figures. Moments later, Brandt converted in transition and Kendall finished strong inside, giving the Oilers their largest lead of the game.
Ohio Dominican continued to battle, cutting the deficit to single digits with under eight minutes remaining, but each surge was met with a timely Findlay response. The Oilers executed down the stretch, converting free throws and capitalizing on Panther turnovers. A late dunk by Johnson and a deep three from Meister sealed the 14-point victory over a team whose largest deficit at any point all season prior to Saturday was 11 points.
Elmore led all scorers with 26 points, while Johnson added 24. Meister finished with 17 points off the bench, and Brandt and Kendall chipped in 13 apiece as Findlay placed six players in double figures. The Oilers shot 57.6 percent from the field and outscored Ohio Dominican 58–47 in the second half.
Findlay will look to carry the momentum into its next G-MAC matchup on Thursday, January 22, when the Oilers host Hillsdale.