OAKLAND CITY, Ind. -- The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team capped its remarkable regular season with a 23-5 record after handling Oakland City University 87-68 on Saturday afternoon.

The Pomeroys compiled the top winning percentage in the River States Conference this season with a 17-1 (.944) league record.  Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is currently competing in its third season of men's basketball and its first under head coach Jesse McClung, after winning three games in 2021-22 and 10 games last season.

Cobie Barnes led all five starters in double figures with 22 points, along with seven rebounds and four steals.  Chaz Birchfield added 18 points on 6-9 from the field.

Shon Tupuola contributed his 10th double-double of the season with 13 points and 16 rebounds.  Greg Jenkins added 10 points and a team-high five assists, and Greg Johnson pitched in with 10 points and two assists.

The bench also provided a spark, as DaMerriz Merriweather scored eight points with five rebounds, and Tarik Dixon added six points.

Abdul Wurie scored 12 points, and Jake Cochran also reached double figures with 11 points for Oakland City.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods led 39-36 at the break, then opened the second half with a 15-8 run to take a 54-44 lead on a 3-pointer by Dixon with 14:42 left.  Dixon's shot sparked a 14-6 run that increased the SMWC lead to 68-50 on a Merriweather 3-pointer with 9:41 remaining to give the Pomeroys control of the contest.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will open the RSC Tournament with a quarterfinal home game on Wednesday Feb. 28.  The full 10-team bracket will be released by the conference office late tonight. Read Full Article