Heidelberg men reach OAC final

What a difference a week makes.

Last week, Heidelberg prepared for its final regular season game with a six-game losing streak around its neck. The Student Princes lost to John Carroll last Wednesday, and were in danger of falling to the No. 7 seed in the OAC Tournament.

A win over Muskingum in Saturday's season finale scrapped that. A win over Ohio Northern in the quarterfinals --Heidelberg's first win in Ada in 15 tries --  and one had to wonder if the Student Princes were rolling again.

But tonight's 104-97 win over top-seeded John Carroll in the OAC Tournament semifinals -- HU's second win in University Heights this season--has put Heidelberg a win away from its second national tournament appearance in three years.

Josh Calver scored 30 points, and suddenly, his words -- along with the words of Travis Kinn and Jim Smalley -- look like prophecy.

All three said -- a day after the loss to John Carroll -- that they expected Heidelberg to make a run in the conference tournament.

Tons of credit for the run has to go to second-year coach Anthony Gholson, who had to rebuild a roster that graduated all but one of its starters from the year before.

Heidelberg will face either Capital or Wilmington in tomorrow's final. Heidelberg hasn't beaten either this season-- though it came close two weeks ago against the Quakers.

Capital, which Heidelberg defeated two years ago in the OAC final,  is the team that I think creates the biggest matchup problem for HU. The Crusaders dominated both games this season.