Muskingum’s season ends with 90-86 loss to Heidelberg

NEW CONCORD, Ohio — The Fighting Muskies saw their season come to an end on Saturday afternoon after falling to Heidelberg by a final of 90-86.

Muskingum entered Saturday’s match-up needing a win over the Student Princes to clinch a berth in the OAC Tournament, but the Muskies could not hold on to their two-point halftime advantage.

Marcus Dempsey set the pace for Muskingum in the first-half, but struggled to replicate his performance in the second-half. The former Tri-Valley Scottie went 9-13 from the floor in the first half, to to the tune of 22 points in 20 minutes.

But Heidelberg smothered Dempsey in the second-half, limiting him to just 6 points on 2-11 shooting, including 0-4 from three-point range. Dempsey, once again, played all 40 minutes in the game.

Jacob Geller and Devon Peart tried to pick up their struggling teammate as Geller scored 11 of 19 points in the second half; Peart scored 10 of his 12 points in the final 20 minutes.

Muskingum trailed 88-86 with 30 seconds left to play, and instead of going for the two and overtime, the Fighting Muskies missed two three-point opportunities. Dempsey missed the first attempt, and after a Jalen Paige offensive rebound, Jayson Peoples saw his effort miss off the back of the rim.

Heidelberg grabbed the rebound, and two free throws sealed the victory for the Student Princes. Chris Moxley lead Heidelberg with 22 points on the afternoon. Mike Mason added 16, and Myron Prewitt chipped in 14.