OCU Blazes the Flames 109-71, Cumberland Joins 1,000 Pt Club

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian men's basketball team moved to 6-0 in Mid-East Region play with a convincing 109-71 home win vs Freewill Baptist (TN) on Friday night.  The Blazers jumped out to a 59-36 lead in the first half despite Freewill keeping it close in the first 15 minutes.  

The Flames knocked down 5 of 8 from three point range to stay within ten points for most of the first half.  The OCU defensive pressure and athleticism on offense came through during a 12-3 run to close the half to put the Blazers ahead by 23 heading into the locker room.

The second half was all OCU as the Blazers used a balanced effort to push the lead to as many as 43 points.  Ohio had ten different players score in the contest and played every player as they went with a deep rotation to keep fresh legs on the floor.  Freewill kept the hot hand from outside, ending the game 8 of 13 from downtown for 62% but it wouldn't be nearly enough.  The Trailblazers went 9 of 15 from three point range in the half to show their own  stellar marksmanship and put the game out of reach as Ohio went on to win 109-71.

Tirrell Cumberland scored his 1,000th point in the second half on a three pointer in the corner, assisted by Josh Delph.  Cumberland nailed 7 three point baskets on the night, for the third time in two weeks.  He finished the game with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.  Mo Fall had a sensational night as he scored 29 points on 11 of 13 shooting.  He was 4 of 6 from the three point line while dishing out 6 assists and swiping 5 steals.  Josh Delph provided a monumental spark off the bench as he had 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting.  Delph also added 5 rebounds and 5 steals for the Blazers.  Milen Kostov had a great performance as he tallied 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting.  Freshman Wesley Russell had a game high 11 assists for Ohio Christian.

The Blazers are back in action on Saturday when they host Ohio Mid-Western University.  The game is set for a 3:00PM tip.