While some would consider having a game postponed one day due to a power outage in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center a disadvantage it can actually be seen as an advantage.

With just three regular-season conference games remaining and every game having increased importance the John Carroll University men's basketball team benefitted from having everyone else in the OAC play on Saturday for a clearer picture of where it stood in the standings.

However the Blue Streaks could not sustain its strong start and fell to the Fightin' Quakers 97-74.

Having a lot at stake both teams came out looking to make a big run in the first half. Neither team could sustain any momentum early as the first half saw six lead changes and five ties.

The Blue Streaks seem poised to take control halfway through the first half. Simon Kucharewciz buried a layup to spur JCU on a 7-0 run over the course of 53 seconds. Will Starks capped the run with a 3-pointer and a layup to put JCU up 32-25 with 8:40 remaining in the opening stanza.

JCU would keep its advantage and pushed it to a game-high eight points with 6:32 remaining when Joey Vuyancih buried a 3-pointer.

However, Wilmington stormed right back.

Malcolm Heard, the OAC's leading scorer and rebounder, led the Fightin' Quakers on a 7-1 run to pull WC within two at 40-38 with just under 4:00 remaining in the half.

R.J. Leppert would cap a 13-0 Wilmington run just before the half to put the Fightin' Quakers up eight before Jake Hollinger cut the gap to six at the buzzer.

John Carroll looked to remain within striking distance in the second half keeping its deficit within single digits. A 3-pointer by David Hendrickson pulled the Blue Streaks back within five at 59-54 with 15:36 remaining but Wilmington's length and outside shooters took over as the Fightin' Quakers broke the game wide open by the halfway point of the second half.

Hollinger led the Blue and Gold notching his fourth double-double of the season. The junior finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Joining Hollinger in double figures was Danny Wallack who reached double figures for the fifth time in the last seven games.

Heard led six Fightin' Quakers in double figures with 20 points.

Wilmington improved to 15-7, 12-4 OAC while John Carroll fell to 14-6, 8-8 OAC.

The men's basketball team faces Otterbein in its final regular-season home game on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Prior to the game the Blue and Gold will honor forward Jordan Murphy and student assistant coach Spencer Roule on senior night.