Scott Schnelle notches 1,000th point as Men’s Basketball tops Heidelberg 64-55

ADA — Senior Scott Schnelle became the 36th member of the ONU 1,000 Point Club leading the Ohio Northern men's basketball team to a 64-55 victory over Heidelberg Wednesday night at the ONU Sports Center.

With the win, the Polar Bears are now 11-11 overall and 7-8 in OAC play while the Student Princes fall to 6-16, 4-11.

Schnelle recorded point number 1,000 on a free throw with 14:21 left to play in the game.

He would score a game high 18 points and grab nine rebounds.

"I have had four great teams around me here at ONU," Schnelle said. "There have been great guys, great coaches and everyone has been easy to play with. It is an honor to join this elusive club."

"Scott has been a pleasure to coach," said head coach John Rhodes. "He is a great player, a good teammate and an unbelievable person. I am happy to be a part of his 1,000th point."

The first half was tight featuring three ties and three lead changes.

ONU was able to use a 7-0 run late in the first half to open a 27-20 lead capped off by a free throw from sophomore Branden Rushton.

Heidelberg would chip away at the lead however and the Polar Bears took a 31-29 lead into the half.

The Student Princes would go on an 11-4 run to open the second half to take a 40-35 advantage with just under 16 minutes to play.

Northern would respond with five quick points and tie the score at 40 on a jumper by freshman Jordan Martin.

The team would continue to be even for the next seven minutes before Heidelberg used a four point spurt to take a 48-44 lead with 7:31 to play.

The Polar Bears would roar back and use a 13-3 run to take the lead for good.

Schnelle lead the charge with five points while sophomore Dominque Royal, senior Jason Faykosh, junior Taylor Kuhlman and Rushton all scored two points allowing ONU to take the 57-51 lead with just over three minutes to go.

Northern would put the game away sinking 7-of-10 free throws in the final three minutes.

"We gave a great effort on both sides of the ball tonight," Rhodes added. "Our guys are pulling together and nicely and we are building momentum as we draw closer to the tournament."

The Polar Bears shot 17-of-41 (41.5%) from the field while Heidelberg was 19-of-51 (37.3%).

Northern went 27-of-34 (79.4%) from the charity stripe, including a solid 21-of-25 (84%) in the second half.

ONU held a slight advantage in rebounding grabbing 34 compared to 30 for the Student Princes.

Dane Givner led Heidelberg with 13 points while Nate Davis posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Ohio Northern will be in action again on Saturday when they travel to Alliance to face off against Mount Union at 3 p.m.