OCU Clinches #1 Seed in Mid-East Region with Weekend Wins

KNOXVILLE, TN - Ohio Christian won a pair of Mid-East Region contests over the weekend at Johnson University and Crown College to clinch the #1 seed in the Regional Tournament.  OCU defeated Johnson University on Friday night 83-54 and came away with the win at Crown College on Saturday by a score of 92-78 to secure the #1 spot.  

With the two wins the Trailblazers are now 9-0 in Mid-East Region play and will look to run the table with a perfect 10-0 record next Monday at home when they face Boyce College on senior night.  OCU has never finished a regular season with an undefeated record in the Mid-East Region.

OCU struggled early on Friday night at Johnson and found themselves in a close battle early on.  Johnson knocked down shots and would hold a slim lead for the first ten minutes.  The Blazers made a run with 6:00 remaining in the half to take the lead.

In the second half the Blazers sped the game up using tencacious defensive pressure and a strong transition game.  Mo Fall hit 9 straight baskets in the second half to fuel the OCU run.  A layup by Josh Delph pushed the OCU lead to 35 points late in the game.  OCU came away with an 83-54 victory.

Mo Fall finished with a season high 33 points on 15 of 21 shooting while also grabbing 9 boards.  Tirrell Cumberland kept a hot hand with 20 points and 6 steals.  Josh Delph was a big contributor with 12 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Kenny Cooper battled an illness and finished with 6 points and 11 rebounds.  Wesley Russell did not play due to injury.

On Saturday the Blazers took on Crown College in what proved to be a close game early on.  OCU got out to a sluggish start as Crown College hit three straight baskets from downtown in the opening three minutes to take a quick 9-0 lead.  OCU knocked off the road legs and fought back tand went on a 22-6 run to take a 7 point lead with ten minutes remaining in the half.  OCU would take a one point lead into the locker room.

The Blazers came out strong in the second half behind a strong effort by senior guard Tirrell Cumberland, who knocked down 6 threes.  OCU tallied 54 points in the half and would go on to lead by as many as 24 points with 4 minutes remaining.  OCU went deep to the bench and Crown put together a last minute run to get to within 15 points in the final seconds, but the game was never in doubt.  Ohio went on to win 92-78.

OCU was led by Cumberland who scored a team high 22 points on 6 of 10 shooting from long range.  Wesley Russell put together a great game with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.  Kenny Cooper tallied a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards.  Josh Delph continued his hot streak with 14 points and 3 steals.  Delorean Glanton added 11 points in the win.

OCU (19-9, 9-0) is back in action on Monday night when they take on Southern State in the OCAC finale.  The Blazers will the prepare for the OCAC Conference Tournament this weekend.