Jakacki Scores 19 Points In Hard-Fought Loss To Wabash

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CRAWFORDSVILLE, Indiana - February 11, 2023 - Solid performances from Trent Jakacki (19 points) and Dushawn Hill (17 points) weren't enough in Hiram's 80-70 loss to Wabash on Saturday afternoon at Chadwick Court.

The Terriers had a 30-27 halftime lead and shot over 50% in the second half (13-25), but Wabash responded with 7 three-pointers and 20 made free throws in the second half to claim the conference victory. The Little Giants are currently in position to be the No. 2 seed in the NCAC Tournament, which begins on Feb. 21.

For Hiram, the loss puts them in position to be the No. 7 seed in the conference tournament with one game remaining in the regular season. If the standings hold, their current matchup in the tournament would be another game against Wabash.

It was a big first half for Hill, who scored 11 points and made each of his final 3 shots in the period. He notably made consecutive three-pointers to give his team a 21-15 lead with 6:33 remaining in the half. A Jakacki jumper later gave Hiram a 7-point advantage, tied for its largest of the contest.

Wabash's Vinny Buccilla was a difference-maker in the second half, knocking down 3 three-pointers within the first 7 minutes of the period. Buccilla scored all 13 of his points over the final 20 minutes of the game.

Jakacki would keep Hiram in the game thanks to 10 second-half points of his own. He finished 8-12 from the field (66.7%), marking his third straight game with a FG pct above 60%

The Little Giants pulled away thanks to a 20-23 mark from the free-throw line and 7-12 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half.

Hiram will wrap up the regular season at Ohio Wesleyan next Saturday at 3 p.m.