The Oberlin Phoenix showed why they’re tied for first place in the Patriot Athletic Conference, coming away with a 60-50 victory on the road at Lutheran West.
The Phoenix were powered by a 31-point, 12 rebound performance from 6-foot-4 senior center Donald Johnson, who erupted for 23 points in the second half.
Johnson threw down three monster dunks in the final 90 seconds, including an alley-oop slam that sent the whole gym, including the home fans, into a frenzy.
Scottie Berghaus led the Longhorns with 20 points, but his absence midway through the fourth quarter proved to be a turning point in the game.
Lutheran West cut the deficit to six points with 6:14 left in the fourth, but the senior foward exited the game due to leg cramps.
By the time Berghaus was able to return, Oberlin had built the lead back up to ten with only 2:51 remaining.
The Longhorns fall to 4-8 overall (2-6 PAC), while Oberlin improves to 10-4 overall (7-1 PAC) and is tied with Clearview for first in the conference.
The Clippers and Phoenix don’t face each other until Feb. 17, but the way things are looking, that game may turn out to be the conference championship.
Oberlin won the first meeting between the two teams 67-54 on Jan. 13, but the rematch will be at Clearview.
In the mean time, Oberlin returns to action on Jan. 24 at home against Buckeye, who currently leads the PAC Stars Division (6-2 PAC).
Lutheran West is back on the court at home the same night against Brookside.
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