WILMINGTON — John Carroll University’s Blue Steaks proved to be too much for Wilmington College Saturday, 84-67, in the final regular season Ohio Athletic Conference game at Fred Raizk Arena.
The visiting Blue Streaks broke open a close ball game with a strong second half performance, outscoring WC 35-26. John Carroll held a 49-41 lead at halftime.
With the loss, Wilmington ends the regular season at 10-15, seventh in the OAC standings with a league record of 8-10. John Carroll is 17-8 overall, 10-8 in the OAC.
The Blue Streaks swept the season series, winning on their home floor, 89-72, back on Jan. 11.
All five starters finished in double figures for the Blue Streaks, led by the brother-tandem of Jimmy and Ryan Berger. Ryan paced the attack with 18 points, while Jimmy added 15 points.
In a losing cause, Jeffry Mansfield was Wilmington’s high scorer with 16 points, to go along with three rebounds and three assists coming off the bench. His former Wilmington High School teammate Matt Smith had a strong effort off the bench with a college career-best of 14. Smith had 10 in the first half. From the field, Smith connected on six of his nine shots; including a pair of three-pointers.
Abdul Kanu, limited on the court by foul trouble in each half, scored 13 points including nine in the second half.
Prior to tip-off, recognition ceremonies were held for the four departing seniors — Aaron Mullins, Payton Smith, Colin Myers and DaeShawn Jackson, and each were included in the Quakers’ starting line-up.
By virtue of Wilmington’s finish in the OAC standings, they will travel to 2-seed Marietta for their opening round tournament game. Tip-off will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
