Hillsdale, Mich. – The University of Findlay men's basketball team led for just over five minutes on Thursday, Feb. 26, but that was all they needed, outscoring the Hillsdale College Chargers 71-68 to pick up the win. That victory gives the Oilers a 16-11 record with a 10-9 mark in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while Hillsdale, which will finish the year with a losing record for the first time in two decades, falls to 10-17 (7-12 G-MAC).

Much like the first time these two teams met, it was Hillsdale who jumped out to an early lead, pulling in front by as much as 12 in the first half. A couple late buckets by the Oilers made the score 38-30 at the break.

Those four points to end the half were followed by seven more to start the second half. That 11-0 run vaulted Findlay back into the game, but still was not quite enough to take the lead.

Each time the Oilers got within one bucket, Hillsdale would go on a short scoring spurt to keep their distance.

Trailing 62-55 with five minutes left, the Oilers went on another 11-0 run to pull in front for the first time since three minutes into the start of the game.

Hillsdale did pull within one point with five seconds remaining on a miraculous triple, but a pair of free throws by senior Mekhi Elmore and defensive stop sealed the win for Findlay, avenging a loss to the Chargers in Croy earlier this year.

Findlay made 28-of-60 (47%) from the floor including 8-of-22 (36%) from deep, but it was Hillsdale who had the hot hand, nailing 27-of-50 (54%) attempts from the field including 6-of-16 (38%) from three-point range. The Chargers also held a 31-to-24 rebounding advantage but, it was Findlay's pressure that made the difference.

The Oilers forced the home team into 20 turnovers, the third-most HC has committed in a game this season and the eighth time that Findlay has forced a team into 20 or more turnovers in a game this year.

Leading the way for the Orange and Black was Elmore who scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting including four made free-throws. Junior Anthony Johnson and sophomore Javonte Hill each had 11 points. Johnson and senior Jagger Landers led the way with four rebounds on the night.

Findlay wraps up the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 28 as they play host to Ashland University. That game will tip around 3:00 pm with Senior Day festivities taking place before the start of the game.