The final minute of the game was the complete opposite when the two teams matched up last time, but the outcome was the same. Otterbein missed two crucial three-point shots and Heidelberg took control of the charity stripe to offset any chance of a Cardinal victory, winning 60-54.
Last time, Heidelberg's Ishaam Smith netted two 3s in the final minute to leave Heidelberg safely ahead from Otterbein's earlier rally, winning 70-64.
This time, Mike Petrie came through in the final seconds, hitting his free throws and sending the Heidelberg fans in an uproar.
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It was senior night and Heidelberg's first home victory since it defeated Muskingum, 92-67 on Jan. 5.
For three players, it was their last time playing a college basketball game at Sieberling gymnasium.
All three spoke major about Heidelberg basketball and their collegiate experiences in the past four years. All of them referred to the program as a tight-knit family which is very close.
"It's been a great experience; we're like one big family. Everybody looks out for one another. The coaching staff; they're like father figures," HU senior Quinten Aden said. "You want to win, but you don't want this to be your final home game."
Fellow senior Dane Givner added, "It's like being a part of a big family, it really is. I mean, in 18 years of playing basketball, I've never been on a team where I can honestly say I feel like all my teammates are more like my brothers than my teammates. It's really been a great atmosphere for four years."
Heidelberg coach Anthony Gholson discussed the emotion involved during senior night and how special the trio is to have stayed committed to the team.
"Senior night is the hardest night of all game nights. It's the hardest game to win. It's never going to be easy. So many emotions go on during senior night," Gholson said. "You're fortunate to keep any kid for four years.
Every senior group that are not on scholarship at the Division III level that last for four years is an amazing group of young men. It's the hardest thing you can ever do and not get paid for."
Heidelberg found itself far ahead in the first half, by much as 12 points at one time, leading 16-4 with just less than eight minutes left. Otterbein finally scored again after an 11-minute drought with 7:38 on the clock.
Otterbein struggled immensely in the first half, committing 13 turnovers and shooting a miserable 30 percent from the field, Heidelberg capitalized on it, leading 29-20 at halftime.
The Cardinals rallied back and took its first lead of the game with 14:40 left.
Heidelberg bounced back and exchanged the lead several times and even led 47-40 near the game's end, but another 8-0 run from Otterbein left it trailing 48-47 with six minutes remaining.
It's difficult to decide where a winning move is made in a basketball game, but when Keith Mackie grabbed a steal and hustled down the court, pulled a skillful stop on an Otterbein defender and made an easy basket to put Heidelberg up 55-51 with 1:13 left.
Dane Givner led all efforts with a solid 20 points and five rebounds while Nate Davis backed his senior counterpart with 11 points and five rebounds.
Zach Bakenhaster led Otterbein (7-18, 4-14 Ohio Athletic Conference) with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The win meant a lot to Givner, who sits in the top 10 career-scoring list for Heidelberg.
"It's always good to go out with a bang, especially going into the playoffs next week. We got a little bit of confidence, getting a win after losing the a few games straight these past couple of weeks," Givner said.
Heidelberg (11-14, 6-12) sits sixth in the opening round of the OAC tournament and plays at Ohio Northern Monday night.
Givner and Davis agree that it's a fresh start.
"I just want the OAC to know that we're coming with vengeance. It's not over yet," Givner said.
