After a 57–71 loss this past Saturday to Alma College, the men’s basketball team entered week four of the season, looking to earn victories over strong opponents Denison University and Grove City College.

The Yeomen faced conference opponent Denison at home on Monday in a back and forth game that came down to the last few seconds. The teams traded the lead throughout the first half until a steal and breakaway layup by first-year Ian Campbell catalyzed a Yeomen run that resulted in a 30-22 lead at halftime.

In the second half the Yeomen continued to rally. A three-pointer by Campbell with 12 minutes left put the Yeomen up by 10, their biggest lead of the day. The Yeomen were unable to deliver the finishing blows, and Denison came back with 12 unanswered points, putting them back in the lead.

With just over two minutes left, the Yeomen tied it up for the fifth time in the game. A three-pointer by senior Andrew Fox gave Oberlin the final lead, beating Denison 52-51. Sophomore Austin Little had a big game with five three-pointers and 16 points. Junior Geoff Simpson was integral as well, scoring 13 points.

The Yeomen carried the intensity from their big win to another home game against Grove City College on Wednesday. Despite multiple double-digit leads, the Yeomen kept allowing Grove City to claw back into it. The Yeomen were finally awarded their victory after a last-second missed shot by Grove City.

The Yeomen took a five point lead at the half. Oberlin led by 11 points twice in the second half, only to allow Grove City to bring it back within one point. With less than a minute left, a steal by Little killed Grove City’s momentum, and a block from Simpson stopped their last quality attempt to tie it up. Oberlin closed out the game, winning 57–55. Simpson and Fox both had double-doubles. Simpson scored 14 points and had 15 rebounds, while Fox dropped 13 points and had 11 rebounds.

In response to the close victories that Oberlin has had, Coach Isaiah Cavaco said, “Every game is going to be like this, we’re not built to blow teams out, but our kids play hard, and that’s what makes it fun.”

These two games improve Oberlin’s record to 4–6 overall and 2–1 in conference play. The team will be having a mid-season break and will play its next game at Elmira College on Jan. 3 at 3 p.m.