With the fans at Fred Raizk Arena in Hermann Court looking for a reason to cheer, and the Wilmington College men's basketball team looking for a burst of energy – junior Zack McCorkle recorded an electrifying block that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
The defensive play sparked a 13-2 run that gave the Fightin' Quakers the momentum it needed to record the 90-68 win over Otterbein Wednesday in Ohio Athletic Conference action.
"I thought Zach's blocked shot gave us some energy when he pinned it off the glass," said Wilmington head coach K.C. Hunt. "We finished the half the way we intended to start. We started okay, and then we kind of let our guard down. It's one of those games that you're supposed to win at home, but I don't think we were totally dialed in for the whole game. But, anytime you get a win in this league, it's a good thing."
The aforementioned spurt was part of a stretch in which Wilmington closed the half by scoring 27 of the final 35 points. When the first half dust had cleared, the Fightin' Quakers were up 18 going into the break.
Sixteen of the half-ending 27 points came from the reserves, which outscored their counterparts 42-27 in the game.
"We are just searching for the best lineup to put us in the best position to win games," said Hunt. "We mixed it up several times over the last couple of weeks and it's been good for us. We are going to continue to play people that perform every day in practice, and that is what is going on. Ultimately, I still think this team has a chance to make a run in the OAC Tournament."
Wilmington maintained its edge in the second half, pushing the lead to as much as 26 points. However, Otterbein attempted one last run. The Cardinals scored 12 of 14 points to trim their deficit to 16 points. WC stemmed the tide with a couple baskets and cruised to the victory.
Senior Jonathan Bibbs (Dayton, OH/Chaminade Julienne) led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, while sophomore Law Williams (Dayton, OH/Thurgood Marshall) dropped in 16 points.
Senior R.J. Leppert (Liberty Township, OH/Lakota East) recorded his eighth career double-double with 11 points, a team-high 11 rebounds and three assists. Senior Dwight Johnson (Dayton, OH/Jefferson) added 11 points and four rebounds, and McCorkle (Cincinnati, OH/Winton Woods) contributed 10 points, three rebounds, three steals, the emphatic block and an assist.
Wilmington (10-11 overall, 7-8 OAC) travels to play Baldwin Wallace 3 p.m. Saturday. BW recorded the 95-61 victory in late December. WC trails the Yellow Jackets by two games with three to go for fourth seed in the upcoming OAC Tournament. The top four seeds earn home games in the tournament.