The last time John Carroll had lost a game in the second half of the Ohio Athletic Conference schedule came in 2008. Only one player on this year's roster had ever tasted defeat in the second go-around through the league's regular season gauntlet.

After a 76-72 loss to Ohio Northern Saturday in Ada, that amazing run spanning 20 victories officially came to an end.

Box Score

"Forget records," said John Carroll assistant coach John Stavole after the game. "What matters is match-ups. I just don't think we match-up as well with Ohio Northern as we do with other teams in the league because of their ability and size inside. It allows them to guard the perimter with greater confidence than most teams can."

JCU had tied the score late at 63-63, but suffered some key misses down the stretch in losing the season series to the Polar Bears.

The game began inauspiciously for the Blue Streaks, as they found themselves trailing 28-17 with only 5:41 to play in the opening period. It was then that John Carroll roared to life. The Streaks would not allow a Polar Bear field goal the remaining five minutes and the scored 11 points of their own. Heading into the break, JCU trailed 34-28.

John Carroll shot a dismal .333 in the first half, but forced 11 turnovers on the defensive end to stay within striking distance.

Every time Ohio Northern tried to sprint ahead, JCU would mount a counter attack. The Polar Bears built a 60-49 lead with 9:47 left in the second half when John Carroll went on a 14-3 run to tie the game at 63-63 with 6:03 to play. 

Despite catching Ohio Northern, the Blue Streaks could never make the pass. Down 69-68 following a Joe Meyer (Mentor, OH, Mentor) three-pointer, Heath Jones got a shooter's bounce on a trey with 1:03 remaining that gave ONU a 72-68 advantage. JCU never had possession with a chance to tie the rest of the way.

"Ohio Northern is very good at guarding our outside shooters," said Conor Tilow, who led JCU with 20 points. "While that leaves lanes to drive for myself and Mo (Haynes), it makes it equally difficult for Joe (Meyer) and Mike (Hartnett) to get their looks. On defense, we did a good job of limitting (Scott) Schnelle's touches today, but to their credit they hit some big jumpers and threes."

In addition to Conor Tilow (Rocky River, OH, Lakewood St. Edward), Maurice Haynes II (Cleveland, OH, Villa Angela-St. Joseph) added 16 points andJoe Meyer (Mentor, OH, Mentor) dropped in 12 for John Carroll, which dropped to 13-6 overall and 8-4 in the OAC.

Schnelle led five players in double figures for Ohio Northern (8-11, 5-7 OAC) with 17 points. Jones added a career-high 15 points.