Lima, OH – Saturday’s contest with OU Eastern started off with some hot shooting by both teams. Leading the way early for the Barons was DJ Evans (Lima Central Catholic). Evans knocked down three early 3 point shots to help the Barons keep pace with the Panthers and gradually build a lead. Along with the hot shooting of Evans, Jordan Swift (Shawnee) was finding openings in the Panther defense and penetrating for many open looks. The combination of Evans and Swift in the first half helped the Barons build a 20 point lead in the first half. OU Eastern answered back though, knocking down a couple very long shots as well as capitalizing on a couple misses by the Barons to close the gap to 12 at the half. 

In the 2^nd half the Barons played good ball control offense, combined with aggressive defense to keep the Panthers out of reach, never allowing the outcome to be in question.  The Barons held on to win by 11, with the final score of 89 to 78.

The Barons were led on the night by a great effort by Jordan Swift scoring 27. Other key contributors with double digit scoring nights were Brent Cook (Spencerville) with17, DJ Evans with 13, and Daniel Dray (Cory Rawson) with 10.

The Barons travel to Fort Wayne to take on Taylor University of Fort Wayne on Wednesday, tip is set for 7pm. They then go on the road again traveling to OU Chillicothe Friday and OU Lancaster on Saturday.

The Barons do not return home again until Saturday, January 26^th as they host OU Zanesville with the tip set for 3pm following the Lady Barons contest starting at 1pm.

Come out and support the Barons! Admission is free for all OSU and Rhodes State students.