Akron 88, Ohio Wesleyan 57

Junior wing Jessee Battle (Gahanna/Lincoln) sank a 3-pointer to bring Ohio Wesleyan within 6 points midway through the first half, but Division I entity Akron pulled away for a non-conference win over the Bishops on Friday in Akron.

The meeting was the first between the Bishops and the Zips since Jan. 6, 1968, when Akron defeated Ohio Wesleyan by a 76-61 score at Edwards Gym.

The Zips raced to a 7-0 lead, getting a jumper from Nate Johnson, a 3-pointer from Shammah Scott, and a lay-in by James Okonkwo.

Battle hit a jumper to put the Bishops on the scoreboard and junior guard Isaac Ward (Circleville/Logan Elm) drilled a 3-pointer to make it 7-5. 

Ohio Wesleyan was still within 15-12 after Battle's 3-pointer midway through the half, but 3-pointers by Isaiah Gray and Bowen Hardman and a pair of hoops from Amani Lyles helped the Zips open up a 38-23 lead.

It was still a 15-point game after a lay-in by senior guard Henry Hinkle (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) early in the second half, but Sharron Young had a 3-pointer and a lay-in during a 9-2 Akron run, and the Zips would pull away from there.

Battle led the Bishops with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Hinkle and Ward finished with 12 points apiece.

Box Score