In the first contest of the New Year, the John Carroll Men's Basketball team ended its search for its first conference win of the season with an 85-72 victory over Ohio Northern at home in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center. Although the Blue and Gold captured the win, the Polar Bears kept the Blue Streaks on their toes until the very end.

John Carroll struggled to keep up with Ohio Northern throughout the first three minutes of play, falling behind 12-3. In the next five minutes, they cut their deficit to four after scoring plays from sophomore Emmett Chambers, and seniors Ryan Berger and Jimmy Berger. A good layup and a free throw from senior Connor Fitzgerald tied the game at 16 with 12:00 minutes remaining. A three pointer from J. Berger put the Blue Streaks ahead 19-18 for the first time in the game and sparked a light in the Blue Streaks offense. John Carroll would go on to take a 38-29 lead at the half.

Out of the break, the Blue Streaks put up 20 points in the first seven minutes of the second half, making the score 58-40 and giving them their largest lead of the game. Junior Jackson Sartain contributed two three pointers during the that span, moving his career three-point field goals made record to 234. Over the course of the next eight minutes, multiple baskets from Landen Long, CJ Napier and Thomas Phillips aided the Polar Bears to a 25-10 scoring run to bring the game within three points, 68-65. In the final five minutes of play, John Carroll scored 17 points, to seal the deal on their first conference victory over Ohio Northern 85-72.

Leading the way for the Blue and Gold was R. Berger with a team-high 20 points, followed by Chambers career-high of 19 points in a game, while Fitzgerald contributed 13. Chambers also posted a team-high seven rebounds and career-high four blocks. 

The Blue Streaks will continue conference play in Westerville, Ohio on Wednesday evening against Otterbein. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.