Junior Aron Thress records a double-double as Men's Basketball falls to Capital 78-66

By Ashley Birchmeier

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Northern men's basketball team dropped a 78-66 decision to Capital Saturday afternoon at the Capital Center.

The Polar Bears fall to 4-5, 1-3 Ohio Athletic Conference, while the Crusaders improve to 5-3, 2-1.

Northern was led in the contest by junior Aron Thress, who recorded his first double-double of the season scoring 15 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

Freshman Ryan Bruns added 11 points, while junior Devon Allen chipped in 10 points.

In the first half, Northern took the lead early as a layup from Thress would put the Polar Bears on top 6-4 with 17:37 to play.

Northern would continue to increase its lead as sophomore Travis Feitshans would connect on a layup and a free throw to extend the ONU lead to 16-12 with 12:58 remaining.

However, the Crusdaers did not go away as they would conitnue to battle tying the contest at 20-20.

With 3:55 remaining till the break junior Konnor Baker would sink a layup to spark an 8-0 Polar Bear run, en route to the 35-29 halftime advantage.

In the second half, Capital would open with a quick 4-0 run pulling the Crusaders back within 35-33 with 19:00 to paly in the contest.

Northern would respond with a small run of its own to extend its lead once more to 39-33 with 17:28 to play.

The Polar Bears and Crusaders would exchange points for several minutes before a jumper and free throw from junior Joey Hurless would put ONU on top 50-45 with 12:30 remaining.

Capital would finally tie the contest with 9:12 to play as a layup from senior Michael Green would lock the score at 57-57.

The Crusaders would go on to be to much to handle for Northern as they would hold on for the 78-66 victory.

Capital was led in the contest by senior Mark Minch with a game-high 25 points.

Northern returns to action Saturday as they welcome Muskingum to the ONU Sports Center, tip-off set for 3 pm.