The crosstown rivalry between John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace usually means a battle.

Tonight, however, the battle was joined too late. The Blue Streaks scored 30 of the game's first 39 points to dominate the Yellow Jackets, winning by a 78-62 count Wednesday evening at the DeCarlo Varsity Center.

Box Score 

“We came out of the block right away tonight,” JCU head coach Mike Moran said.

With only three games left to play in the regular season, the Blue Streaks (16-6, 11-4 OAC) needed the victory tonight if they hope to capture their third consecutive regular season championship. John Carroll is in sole possession of second place -- two games behind front-running Marietta.

“This win is a stepping stone,” JCU senior forward Maurice Haynes said. “We are looking to the future to build from tonight to achieve the final puzzle piece of winning the OAC.”

In the first half, John Carroll immediately took control and was able to use their speed to keep the ball in their hands. Baldwin Wallace shot only 34 percent, while John Carroll sank 59 percent of their field goals. They made a whopping 63 percent of their 3-pointers before the break.

The Blue Streaks entered halftime 21 points ahead, 45-24.

Even though it was a more evenly played second half (Baldwin-Wallace actually outscored John carroll, 38-33, over the final 20 minutes), John Carroll never let its lead dip below 13 points.

The Yellow Jackets could not stop the backcourt trio of Mike Hartnett, Joey Meyer and Corey Shontz, who accounted for 46 of John Carroll's 78 points. Haynes also was a force, finishing with 20 points.

Defensively, Shontz and Mark Hester helped the Blue Streaks win the rebounding battle over Baldwin-Wallace (36-28), pulling down 12 and 6, respectively. For Shontz, it was a career high and part of his first points-rebounds double-double.

John Carroll defeated Baldwin-Wallace (7-15, 3-12 OAC) for the sixth consecutive time and for the eight time in the last nine meetings.

“We got the win tonight and that is what matters,” Meyer said.