Findlay, Ohio — The University of Findlay men's basketball team put together one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, rolling past Tiffin 96–76 on Saturday, February 7, inside the Croy Physical Education Center in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play. With the win, Findlay improves to 15–8 overall and 9–6 in G-MAC play, while Tiffin falls to 6–16 overall and 2–13 in conference action
The Oilers set the tone early with efficient shooting and defensive pressure, opening the game on a 9–2 run behind quick baskets from seniors Mason Brandt and Mekhi Elmore. The Oilers shot 58 percent from the field in the first half and knocked down five three-pointers, keeping constant pressure on the Dragons.
Brandt scored 11 points before halftime, including two triples and a fast-break finish, while Elmore added nine points and three assists as Findlay repeatedly attacked gaps in the defense.
Defensively, the Oilers forced 12 Tiffin turnovers in the opening half, converting them into easy scoring opportunities. Sophomore Javonte Hill was active on the perimeter, disrupting passing lanes and igniting transition chances, while sophomore Alex Kendall and junior Anthony Johnson combined for several steals and assists during a 12–4 run midway through the half. Findlay also controlled the pace late in the period, closing the half on a 7–2 stretch to take a 46–33 advantage into the break.
The Oilers continued to apply pressure after halftime, pushing the pace and capitalizing on Tiffin turnovers. A fast-break layup by Brandt followed by a corner three from Elmore extended the lead to 17 less than two minutes into the second half. Moments later, Findlay used a 9–0 run highlighted by a dunk from sophomore Javonte Hill and a transition triple by junior Jake Bishop to stretch the margin to more than 20.
Findlay's depth proved to be a major factor throughout the contest. Senior Jagger Landers provided a spark off the bench with timely baskets, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Sophomore Steele Meister added nine points and several key assists, while sophomore Ian Ioppolo knocked down two three-pointers and finished with eight points and four rebounds. The Oilers' bench accounted for 47 points, consistently maintaining momentum.
Brandt led Findlay with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting night, going a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and tied for a season-high 2 blocks. Elmore followed with 18 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range, while also dishing out three assists. Junior Anthony Johnson added six assists to pace the offense, as Findlay totaled 24 assists on 36 made field goals. Sophomore Javonte Hill recorded a game- and season-high four steals, creating havoc and forcing turnovers throughout the contest.
Tiffin was led by D'monyae Davis, who poured in a game-high 35 points and connected on six three-pointers, including several deep shots that briefly cut into the deficit in the second half. However, the Dragons were unable to overcome Findlay's offensive balance and defensive pressure.
As a team, Findlay finished the game shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while committing just 12 turnovers. The Oilers forced 22 Tiffin turnovers, converting them into 32 points, and added 17 fast-break points. Findlay was also perfect from the free-throw line, going 11-for-11.
The Oilers look to maintain momentum as they travel to Midland, Michigan, to face Northwood on February 12, at 7:30 p.m.
