Bexley, Ohio, was the site for a back-and-forth affair between John Carroll and Capital University this past Saturday. The Blue Streaks prevailed 100-89 in a double-overtime thriller. 

With just under a minute to play in regulation, John Carroll led 81-79 against the Crusaders. Then, sophomore big man Emmett Chambers fouled Capital’s Griffin Doseck with 24 seconds left in regulation. Doseck then tied the game at 81 apiece and sent the game into extra minutes, which made it Carroll’s second consecutive overtime game.

In the first overtime, the Blue Streaks and the Crusaders traded punches. The Berger twins, Ryan and Jimmy, accounted for all five of Carroll’s points and Tyler Schreck scored four of Capital’s points. In the last 40 seconds, neither team could put the ball in the hoop, pushing the game into another extra period. 

JCU had one more run left in them as they pulled away and took this very important game for the Blue and Gold. Within the first minute, John Carroll went on a quick 5-0 run, causing the Crusaders to lose their edge.

If the first half showed the fans anything, it was that this pivotal conference matchup was going to go down to the wire. 

In that opening quarter, the Blue Streaks seemed to gain control as they pushed to lead by as much as 11 points. But the Crusaders fought back and went on a 12-2 spurt of their own.

For JCU, junior Jackson Sartain had the hot hand in the first half, scoring 14 points, and finishing with a game-high. Sartain scored 24 points on an impressive 5-of-8 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point land in only 10 minutes of play. 

The second half was the same story. Neither Capital nor JCU’s cushions were safe. Ganiyu Yahaya continued his great night for Capital with 11 points, keeping the game within reach. The game was sent into overtime yet again.

Carroll’s victory keeps them firmly in the OAC conference standings with a 7-7 record, 14-7 overall and improved their record against Capital to 19-10 all time. 

Jimmy Berger, Ryan Berger and Jackson Sartain led the charge for the Streaks, as they were responsible for 66 of the 100 points. Yahaya, Reed Bradfield and Schreck poured in 61 for Capital. 

The team stats showcased how tight this contest was. Both teams shot in the mid to high 40% from the field, 31% from three, and around 80% from the free-throw line. 

John Carroll will tip-off against the Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets at home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12.