Cleveland Reporter

The Blue Streaks (11-2) were able to pull away late to put away the Ohio Northern Polar Bears (6-7), 68-57, on a snowy Saturday afternoon. 

It's been anything but a relaxing week of winter break for John Carroll Men's Basketball, as they battled with Heidelberg just 3 days ago to make their way into a tie for first place in the Ohio Athletic Conference. 

The Blue Streaks fought off a hard-working Polar Bears unit to make it three OAC wins in a row.

JCU's offense was off to the races straight from the tip. The ball went to Ohio Northern's side of the floor, but Chase Toppin shot across the court and took it straight to the rack for the early 2-0 lead. Baskets were being traded back and forth until John Carroll was able to go on a 6-0 run during the first half to take a 26-19 lead. The Blue Streaks would ride that lead into the half, 38-33. 

The Polar Bears got a spark into the second half, and with a Will Miller three with 7:00 remaining they tied the game at 53 a piece. 

Immediately following the game-tying shot, Henry Raynor went three straight possessions with a bucket. Then, Chase Toppin put a shot through on the next attempt, as well. It was backed by good defense and let John Carroll go on an 8-0 run. That run held throughout the game and the Blue Streaks coasted to an 11-point victory. 

Scoring leaders from the Blue Streaks once again seems to repeat itself, as Luke Frazier led the way with 19, and was swiftly followed by Chase Toppin (16) and Luke Chicone (10). 

C.J. Napier was the scoring leader for Ohio Northern (16) alongside Adam Scott and Will Miller who each scored 10. 

John Carroll won the rebound battle today after being out-rebounded by Heidelberg 44-29 on Wednesday. 

When asked about what caused the switch today, Raynor said, "We just talked about, for the last few days in practice, everyone crashing [for rebounds]. It's not just the bigs, it's everyone. Everyone's boxing out, everyone dives hard to the boards. So, you're most likely going to get the ball." 

The Blue Streaks will be traveling to Westerville to take on the Otterbein Cardinals on Wednesday, January 11. 

Original source can be found here.