The land of Hoosiers lived up to its reputation when Earlham defeated the Yeomen on their home court in Richmond, Indiana this past Saturday. The loss to the Quakers marked the end of the season for Oberlin men’s basketball and brought the team’s record to 3-22 overall, including conference wins against Kenyon and Allegheny.

The Quakers jumped to an early lead and established a 16-point advantage with 12 minutes left in the first half. Plagued by fouls, missed shots and turnovers, the Yeomen appeared unable to settle into a rhythm.

Just when it looked like Earlham would run away with the game, first-year Jordan Beard and senior Steve Reid hit three pointers to spur the Yeomen’s assault on the Quakers. Oberlin relentlessly pursued Earlham until junior Ethan Witkovsky’s lay-up handed the 32-31 lead to the Yeomen with two minutes left in the half.

Beard and Witkovsky nailed two more baskets in the remaining time, giving Oberlin a 37-34 halftime advantage.

The second half got off to a slow start and remained that way for the Yeomen, who were held to half as many shots as the first half. Oberlin’s scoring slump allowed the Quakers a 9-0 run.

Senior Dewayne Evans’ lay-up put a stop to the Quakers’ roll and the Yeomen got within six after first-year Matthew Godwin drained a three with seven minutes remaining, but the damage was done. Beard hit the final shot to end the game 64-56.

Godwin’s 14 points and two assists led the Oberlin offensive effort while sophomore Quinton Spencer’s 10 rebounds highlighted the defense. Beard and Spencer added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Oberlin graduates two seniors, Evans and Steve Reid. Evans notched 247 points and 71 rebounds this season. Reid was plagued by injuries but still contributed 69 points and 63 rebounds.