WOOSTER, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's basketball team hit the road for a weekend matchup with Wooster on Saturday. The Battling Bishops stuck with the Scots in the early going but ended up falling behind by 10 at the half. 

Both teams end up with identical records at 5-11 overall and 2-5 in the NCAC.

The Bishops started out with a steady lead through the first four minutes before ultimately surrendering the advantage just before the first TV timeout. From there, the Red and Black did well to keep the game within a few possessions, but could not pull even due to shooting struggles, ultimately facing a 10-point deficit at the half, 37-27.

In the second half, Wooster steadily built their lead up to a game-high of 18 points around the 10-minute mark. However, OWU would begin to eat into their deficit after back-to-back three-points sparked a 13-4 run. Isaac Ward was the catalyst with six points in that stretch. Ohio Wesleyan ran it back a few minutes later with another 13-4 run to cut the difference down to four at 75-71 with just 30 seconds left. This time it was Jessee Battle leading the streak with six points.

Suddenly well within reach, the Battling Bishops sent the Scots to the free throw line to stop the clock. Wooster would make both free throws, making it a six-point game. With the ball back, the Red and Black worked quick with Peyton Frey hitting a three-pointer just seven seconds later to cut Woosters lead to just three. 

Again, Ohio Wesleyan sent the Scots to the line with the hopes of getting the ball back. Wooster would miss the front end with Battle getting the rebound before a quick timeout with four seconds remaining. Coming out of the timeout, Wooster played the strategy game and fouled the Bishops before they could get a shot off, sending OWU to the line for a one-and-one instead of giving them a chance to tie. The strategy paid off for the hosts as the Scots escaped with the win after the front end fell offline, 77-74.

THE NUMBERS
Peyton Frey finished with team-highs of 18 points and eight rebounds. He also had one assist and one steal.

Jessee Battle tallied 15 points as well as six rebounds, four assists, and one block.

Isaac Ward ended the night with 12 points, five rebounds, and one block.

Kevin Gallagher recorded eight points with one rebound and one assist.

Jake Lowman managed seven points with four assists and two rebounds.

James McCarthy scored six points and pulled down three rebounds with one assist.

Phil Wallace finished with five points, one rebound, and one steal.

Quinn Hart totaled three points, three rebounds, and two assists.

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops are back home at Branch Rickey Arena on Wednesday as they host DePauw in game two of a men's-women's doubleheader at 8 p.m.