COD may be playing its basketball of the season, thanks to the play of guards Drew Gaston and Finn Walsh.
 
Gaston led the Chaps with 24 points and Walsh was outstanding with a 20-point, 10-rebound, six-assist game in their 85-77 win over visiting Olivet Nazarene JV at PEC Arena on Monday night.
 
The Chaps improved to 15-13 overall heading into Thursday night's home against Truman.
 
Gaston hit 10 of 15 shots, while Walsh hit 7 of 8 shots. Both were perfect from the line in five attempts.
 
Walsh's double-double was his second straight and has scored in double figures in six of his last seven games.
 
"Finn has improved his scoring ability by leaps and bounds,'' Chaps head coach Joe Kuhn said. "He's always given us strength off the glass and passing the ball, but he's picked up his scoring considerably. He gives us another option and you like to see that, especially this late in the year with his confidence so strong.''
 
COD never allowed any sizeable runs by the Tigers and put the game on ice late. Leading 75-70 with 3:50 to go, Walsh drove around two foes inside the paint for a layup and a seven-point lead.
 
On the Tigers' next possession, Gaston came up with a steal and Walsh then hit a pair of free throws and the game was over with COD up 79-70 with 3:14 to go.
 
Alijah Nelson added 14 points and Matt Elliott came through with 10 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
 
"Drew was great tonight, and Matt came through with big-time blocks,'' Kuhn said. "Such well-rounded play from a bunch of guys tonight. It may not show in the box, but I thought Derome White was outstanding on defense. He defended so well, and it was hard for them to set on offense under a lot of duress.''