Winning in the OAC is never an easy task, especially when it comes to the post-season tournament.

The second-seeded John Carroll University men's basketball team advanced to the OAC semi-finals with a 75-66 win over the seventh-seeded Heidelberg on Tuesday evening inside the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center. The victory puts the Blue Streaks a win away from reaching the championship game for the second straight season.

The first eight minutes of the contest were fairly even as the teams matched each other with 14 points apiece. Heidelberg's offense during the stretch mainly came from its bench with 11 points including a trio of 3-pointers.

More of the same competitive play occurred over the next 10 minutes as neither team could extend their lead beyond six. The Student Princes went eight minutes and 16 seconds without a field goal throughout the middle stages of the opening half.

It was not until the 1:21 mark in the first half when Derik Young hit a corner 3-pointer to give JCU its first double digit lead of the game.

The halftime score stood at 36-28 in favor of the Blue Streaks.

The beginning of the second half was all about the hot shooting of John Carroll as Danny Wallack, Will Starks and Ryan Farragher hit four consecutive field goals during the first four minutes of the second half. Heidelberg's Kiere Benney limited the Blue Streak offensive damage with a pair of threes and a mid-range jumper himself. The freshman guard led the team with 13.8 points per game entering play, but was limited to only four points in the previous period.

Neither team would break away with a convincing lead as Benney added another deep 3-pointer and DeAvery Collins hit an off-balance jump shot to keep Heidelberg within striking distance. David Linane responded with two 3-pointers himself to give John Carroll a 69-63 lead with 2:06 left to play in the game.

The contest was in its final minute as Heidelberg's Chris Moxley hit a driving layup with 40 seconds remaining to bring the Student Princes within five. The Blue Streaks would respond once again as Jake Hollinger and David Hendrickson each knocked down a pair of free throws to give JCU a 75-66 lead, and a spot in the semi-finals.

Point guards Linane and Farragher combined for 25 points (11 and 14 respectively) while Wallack showcased his defensive abilities all evening long with three steals. Benney took charge for the Student Princes with 21 points and four rebounds.

The Blue Streaks will stay in University Heights and play host to the Mount Union Purple Raiders on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. with a spot in the championship of the OAC Tournament on the line.