DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's basketball team welcomed a hot Wittenberg squad to town to open NCAC play. The Battling Bishops held an early 10-9 lead, but it would be their last advantage of the night, as Wittenberg shot a remarkable 52.6% from beyond the arc en route to a 69-50 victory over OWU.

With the loss, the Bishops drop to 3-4, 0-1 in conference play. Wittenberg advances to 6-1 on the year, 1-0 in the NCAC. 

The Red and Black opened the game on a strong note, with Peyton Frey pouring in six early points to give the Bishops a 10-8 lead. However, Wittenberg would respond with a 16-4 run, suddenly handing the Bishops a 10-point deficit. The Tigers continued to build on their lead before halftime, sending OWU into the break trailing 35-23.

Following the intermission, Jessee Battle led a 11-4 Bishop run to bring the Bishops back within six. But Wittenberg countered with nine unanswered, swinging the momentum back in its favor with 11 minutes left to play. The Tigers pulled away from there, ultimately defeating the Bishops 69–50. 

THE NUMBERS
The Red and Black shot 38.2% from the field, and just 27.3% from three.  

Peyton Frey led the Bishop offense with 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds. 

Jessee Battle followed with seven points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block. 

Jake Lowman scored seven points, grabbed four rebounds, and had three steals. 

Isaac Ward also tallied seven points. He added two assists and one rebound. 

James McCarthy contributed five points, one rebound, and one steal. 

Cal Klinzing pulled down seven rebounds off the bench. 

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops take on Hope at home on Saturday, with tipoff set for 3 p.m.