OXFORD – A tied game with just one minute left in regulation – Oxford's varsity basketball program prevailed over Marathon on opening day, despite Marathon putting the pressure on them early in the game.

Solid play from Marathon led to a 27-23 lead at the half, however, Oxford was able to settle in on opening day of their 2016-2017 season to claim the second half push for the win at 58-49.

“Game was tied at 49 points with just under a minute to play and we took a two-point lead with a Jason Davis offensive rebound and put back. We made a defensive stop and the fouled Jason Davis who connected both of the one and one shots to close the scoring at 53-49,” said Oxford head coach Tim Davis.

However, despite the dramatics to end the game, Oxford struggled mightily in the first half of play, posting only seven points to open the game up – compared to 15 from Marathon.

“We made some adjustments at halftime and came out and took the lead early in the second half,” said coach Tim Davis.

Jason Davis, a sophomore, and the savior of the game, finished second in scoring for the Blackhawks with 13 points scored – only behind junior, Adhi Viswanthan who claimed 16 points off of eight two point baskets.