RICHMOND, IND. – The charity stripe turned out to be a good friend for Manchester University Saturday, Jan. 20.

Trailing the host Earlham College Quakers 36-33 at the break, Coach Gerad Good's side was in search of a boost to break their winless Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference spell. Enter an 18-of-25 effort at the free throw line in the final 20 minutes that, coupled with a cold shooting spell from the home team, helped propel the Black and Gold to a needed 76-66 triumph.

Junior guard Adrian Johnson (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the attack with 23 points, 14 of which occurred in the second frame. Points were just part of his story on Schuckman Court inside Druley Performance Gymnasium, though. Johnson also tallied seven rebounds, blocked two Quaker shot attempts, picked up four steals and dished out a pair of assists. Senior forward Kenny Doss, Jr., (Chicago, Ill.) was next in line with 19 points and seven boards, while classmate Enis Becirevic (Fort Wayne, Ind.), patrolling the post, wound up with 14 points. Fellow senior Brody Kirby (Frankfort, Ind.) also turned in a big afternoon with 11 rebounds, six points and a blocked shot.

MU (3-18 overall, 1-9 HCAC) went back and forth throughout the first half and early into the second with its hosts. Trailing 43-39 with 15:40 to play, the Spartans made their big move, taking off on an 11-0 run and never trailing again.

Good's team continues the second half of the loop schedule Wednesday, Jan. 24. They travel to Defiance College for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off at the Karl H. Weaner Center.