One step forward and two steps back seemed to be the motto of the men’s basketball team earlier this season, as they started the year 5-6, failing to ever string together more than two wins in a row.
But with the turn of the calendar came a new year for the Crusaders, and they have taken every advantage of it.
Capital is now on a six-game winning streak and has an 8-2 record in the Ohio Athletic Conference, which has moved them into sole possession of first place.
The Crusaders beat John Carrol at the Capital Center last Saturday to earn that spot. Michael Sommer had 19 points and 11 rebounds in that game off the bench.
“When shots were presented, we had guys step up and knock them down.” Sommer said after the game.
Capital doesn’t plan on giving up first place any time soon. They control their own destiny for the OAC title, with eight games left in the season before the conference tournament starts.
Capital has been led this season by Spencer Niekamp, Kelly Winter, and Sommer, all of whom average more than 13 points per game. The Crusaders turn on the clutch scoring when they need it, as they have outscored opponents by 92 points in the second half, and they shoot a league-best 46.1 percent from the field.
The men also have the second highest three-point percentage in the league, trailing only John Carrol, who is shooting 37.6 percent to Capital’s 35.9. Sommer is fourth in the OAC with a 43.9 three-point percentage.
The Crusaders boast two of the top four free throw shooters in the league. Winter leads the OAC with an 84.4 mark, while Niekamp is fourth at 78.8 percent.
Capital’s offense has made up for a lack of statistical defense, but with an offense doing as well as theirs has the past six games, not much defense is needed.
The men’s team resumes action at home against Ohio Northern Feb. 1, but will first face two tough away matches, at Wilmington Jan. 25, and at Mount Union Jan. 28.
