Meyer, Johnson Help Stave Off Mighty Oaks

RICHMOND, Ind. – Colt Meyer scored 23 points and Jake Johnson added 20 as the Red Wolves defeated Oakland City 85-80 on Tuesday.

The win improves the Red Wolves record to 4-6 on the season and 2-1 in RSC play. The Mighty Oaks fall to 5-7 and 1-2 respectively.

Ibra Athie also scored in double figures with 15 and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Mighty Oaks would have their largest lead in the game within the first four minutes of play. Sam Muller scored two of his game-high 28 points with 16:27 remaining in the half for a 9-4 lead.

Athie converted on his layup attempt with 12:57 remaining in the half to give the Red Wolves a 14-13 lead. Meyer hit a triple four minutes later to help regain the lead for IU East for good. Devon Woods hit a layup with 50 seconds left for the last points in the first to give IUE a 38-33 lead heading into the locker room.

The Red Wolves would increase their lead to 14 points multiple times in the second half but the Mighty Oaks came back to make it a game. With 6:19 left, Oakland City cut their deficit to two, at 69-67. The Mighty Oaks cut that down to one with 3:13 left but big buckets from Raedhyn Foust and Athie extended their lead to five with 2:17 left. Hunter Johnson and the Mighty Oaks again made a run to push the game into OT. His layup brought their deficit back down to two points with 24 seconds remaining.

But Colt Meyer made two free throws after being fouled for an 84-80 IUE advantage. Athie all but sealed the deal with a steal with eight seconds left in the next possession. He made one of his two freebies but Oakland City ended their chances with another turnover with two seconds left.

The Red Wolves travel to Brescia on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.