SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan men's basketball team traveled to Springfield on Saturday for an afternoon clash with Wittenberg. In a back-and-forth thriller featuring 14 lead changes, Wittenberg ultimately outlasted OWU, 63-60. The Bishops had a final look to force overtime, but the last-second attempt wouldn't fall.
Ohio Wesleyan falls to 6-12 on the year, and 3-6 in the NCAC. Wittenberg improves to 13-5, and sits tied for second place in the conference at 6-3.
The Battling Bishops struggled to find their rhythm early, falling into a 7-1 hole in the opening four minutes. However, OWU quickly steadied the ship moments later, mounting a 14-6 run to erase the deficit and seize their first lead of the day. Both sides continued to trade blows in the remainder of the half, and the Bishops carried a 32-31 lead into halftime.
Jessee Battle and
Peyton Frey led the charge, each tallying nine points before the break.
Neither side would give an inch after the break. With just under nine minutes remaining,
Quinn Hart knocked down a three to deadlock the game at 50-50. Wittenberg began to piece together a run, and led OWU 58-52 with 3:25 on the clock. The Bishops weren't finished yet, as Battle took it strong to the rack to pull within one, 61-60, with half a minute to play. After an intentional foul by the Bishops, Tyler Galluch drained a pair of free throws to extend Wittenberg's advantage to three. With time winding down, both Battle and Frey got off a look from behind the arc, but were unable to connect. The Red and Black dropped their sixth NCAC contest by a final score of 63-60.
THE NUMBERS
Jessee Battle led the Bishop offense with 19 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Peyton Frey was next with 15 points and two steals.
Jake Lowman finished with eight points, three assists, and three rebounds.
Quinn Hart poured in six points, courtesy of two triples.
Isaac Ward scored five points, and grabbed two rebounds.
Kevin Gallagher recorded three points.
James McCarthy had two points and three boards.
Phil Wallace tallied two points and two assists.
UP NEXT
The Bishops are back at Branch Rickey Arena on Wednesday, as they take on Kenyon at 7 p.m.
