Pennington registers a double-double as Men's Basketball edged at Bethany (W.Va.) 79-73

By Tim Glon

BETHANY, W.Va. -- Senior Lucas Pennington recorded a double-double with 21 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, but the Ohio Northern's men's basketball team dropped a 79-73 decision at Bethany (W.Va.) Wednesday afternoon at the Hummel Field House.

The Polar Bears fall to 5-5 overall, while the Bison improve to 6-5.

Sophomore Konnor Baker added 11 points and freshman Joey DiOrio added 10 points for ONU.

Betheny was led by Andrew Herrero with a game-high 30 points and 12 rebounds.

It was Pennington's second consecutive 20-point game, as he scored a career-high 28 points at Muskingum on Dec. 20.

Northern used a late 17-3 run to overcome a 65-53 deficit and take a 70-68 lead with 4:13 left in the game.

But the Bison would score the next seven points to regain a 75-70 lead as the Polar Bears went cold, missing their last seven field goal attempts.

Northern's biggest lead of the day came at the 5:25 mark of the first half when Baker scored to put ONU up 24-19.

The game was tied at 33-all at intermission.

Bethany used an 11-0 run to take a 46-35 lead with 3:48 gone in the second half.

ONU made 25-of-61 field goal attempts for 41.0 percent, while BC was 29-of-58 on field goals for 50.0 percent.

Betheny won the rebounding battle by a slim 38-35 margin.

The Polar Bears will return to action on Saturday with a 1 pm contest at Trine (Ind.)