Men's Basketball Suffers Heartbreaker To Visiting Defiance

The Heidelberg College men's basketball team suffered an 87-82 loss in overtime to visiting Defiance College tonight at Seiberling Gymnasium. The win improves Defiance's overall record to 2-1, while the Berg falls to 2-1 overall.

Heidelberg held a 74-71 advantage with eight seconds left in regulation when the Yellow Jacket's Mike Floyd was fouled on a three point shot. Floyd sank his first free throw and missed his final two, but grabbed the rebound off the right side of the rim and hit a baseline jumper with one second on the clock to force overtime.

The Berg jumped out to a three-point lead, 79-76, following back-to-back lay ups by Greg Tyson (Lima, Ohio / Lima Senior), but a three by Floyd knotted the game with 2:38 remaining in overtime. On the ensuing possession Tyson hit one of two from the charity stripe to put the Berg on top. Once again Floyd answered for Defiance with a jumper to give the Yellow Jackets the lead for good. Defiance went on to outscore the Berg 5-2 from the free throw line over the final 1:02 of the extra period to post the win.

Heidelberg jumped out to an early 10-4 lead in the first half behind six points from Brian Schmidt (Hinckley, Ohio / Brunswick). Defiance came back to take a 20-19 lead with 9:14 to play in the first period. Heidelberg freshman Josh Calver (Shelby, Ohio / Shelby) responded with one from long range to start a 20-10 run by the Berg to close out the half holding a 39-30 advantage.

For the game, Heidelberg shot .500 (33-for-66) from the field, while Defiance shot .457 percent (32-for-70).The Berg also held a 44-37 advantage on the glass.

Schmidt led the way for Heidelberg recording his third career double-double, finishing with 23 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Tyson posted his second career double-double, tallying 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, while Ron Higgins (Vermilion, Ohio / Firelands) rounded out three in double-figures with 12 points off the bench.