Olivet Nazarene spoils SJC home opener
SJC Sports Information
Box Score
RENSSELAER, Ind. - Marcus Jackson (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis) attempted four three-point baskets a year ago, but buried one his three attempts from beyond the arc on Thursday evening. Jackson's three-point bucket tied the contest against Olivet Nazarene University with 40 seconds remaining as the Saint Joseph's College men's basketball team looked to force an extra frame in its home opener. However, ONU corralled an offensive rebound on its final possession as Antonio Marshall converted the game-winning jumper in the final seconds.
The Pumas (2-5) operated a consistent half court offense through a majority of the first half, but the Tigers (7-5) did not allow much separation. SJC did not lead by more than four points until the final six minutes of the half.
Dayvon Sloan (So., Louisville, Ken./Waggener) recorded seven of his team-high 16 points in the Pumas' 13-3 run to end the first half. The rally gave SJC a 39-28 cushion as both teams went into the lockerroom.
The Tiger pushed the ball into the post on their opening possessions to start the second half as Nick Klomstad converted three baskets in less than 90 seconds. SJC maintained a 47-37 lead four minutes into the half, but ONU converted on over 77 percent of their attempts in the frame to pull even and eventually a take a seven point lead.
With less than 90 seconds on the clock the Tigers grasped to a 73-67 advantage when Michael Horton (Sr., Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben) dropped a three-point basket to cut the lead in half. SJC smothered ONU on the ensuing inbounds play, forcing a turnover. Jackson left open on the wing buried the three-pointer to tie the game at 73.
Despite the heroics from Jackson and Horton, ONU managed to collect the offensive rebound form Klomstad's missed jumper to set-up the final 10-seocond possession. Marshall's fade-away jumper silenced ruckus crowd as Tiger solidified their seventh win of the season.
Antonio Marshall finished with a game-high 22 points while Nick Klomstad and Cory Hainlen each added 12 points. Klomstad also pulled in 11 rebounds to record a double-double.
Dayvon Sloan and Phillip Collins (RJr., Indianapolis, Ind./Pike) reached scored 16 points while Jackson added 15 points and pulled in five rebounds. Michael Horton finished with 12 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
The Pumas will continue their six-game homestand on Saturday December 18th against Central State University. Tip-off at Richard F. Scharf Alumni Fieldhouse is scheduled for 3 pm CST.