By Adam Cohen, Athletic Communications Assistant
 
Oberlin, Ohio -- The Allegheny men's basketball team defeated Oberlin 77-70 on Wednesday (Jan. 19) in a North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) matchup. The Gators improved to 5-7, 3-3 NCAC and came away with their first road victory since their season opener versus Fredonia.
 
The two rivals clashed throughout the entire game. However, the Gators pulled away with a 6-0 stretch in the first half that left them ahead 43-33. During that run, Brian Roberts, Jr. (Copley, Ohio/Copley) sank back-to-back threes in part of a 21 point effort (30 points overall) within the opening 20 minutes of play. 
 
Allegheny maintained its 10-point separation with a 47-37 lead by halftime because of their shooting ability. The Gators shot 57.1 percent from the field and 47.1 percent behind the arc, both of which are well above their season averages. 
 
Yet, the Gators eventually held off Oberlin thanks to Josh Ratesic (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) who capitalized with six of his seven rebounds occurring in the last half. Jordan Greynolds (Barberton, Ohio/Barberton) and Caden Hinckley (Boise, Idaho/Mount Lebanon (Pa.)) were also contributors as the two players drained 15 and 12 points, respectively.
 
Allegheny will try to carry its momentum to Kenyon on Saturday, Jan. 22 for an NCAC contest with a 4 p.m. tip-off.