FINDLAY, Ohio - After a close battle with the Findlay Oilers last Saturday (Jan. 25), the rematch on Saturday (Feb. 1) was just the same at Niekamp Arena at Croy Gymnasium. The #21 Walsh Cavaliers fell 91-86 to the Oilers on the road, snapping the Cavs ten-game winning streak. 

Saturday's game featured nine lead changes, including six in the first half. Walsh lead by as many as 13 in the first half as they held the lead for 15:39 of the opening period. After trailing 6-5 in the first three minutes, Walsh opened a ten point lead with an 11-0 run behind seven points from JT Shumate. Findlay regained a 24-20 lead with 10:30 left before halftime. An 18-1 lead over seven minutes, fueled by four three pointers put the Cavaliers up 38-25 as they led 51-42 at the halftime intermission. The Oilers chipped away at the lead throughout the second half, taking the lead for good with 8:08 left. 

Shumate led the Cavaliers with 22 points on eight field goals (two threes) and four free throws. He added four assists and a block with his four rebounds. Reece Bogan nailed five three pointers in a 17 point effort off the bench. Christian Montague shot 6-of-13 from the floor with 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Darryl Straughter was the fourth player in double-figures with 12 points. Caleb Canter neared a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds. 

Walsh shot 57% (33-58) from the floor, outshooting the Oilers in the end. They made 12 three pointers and sunk eight-of-11 free throws. 

The Cavaliers are now 18-3 overall and 9-2 in the G-MAC. With seven conference games to go, the Cavs still rank first in the Point Ranking System with 4.45 points, just ahead of Findlay. 

Walsh returns home to Alumni Arena on Thursday (Feb. 6) for a date with the Alderson Broaddus Battlers at 7:30 PM. 

-WC-