OBERLIN, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's basketball visited Oberlin on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from consecutive losses. The Battling Bishops struggled to find offensive consistency in the first half–shooting just 23% from the field–and trailed 36-22 at the break. The Red and Black couldn't claw their way back in the second half, ultimately falling 69-57.

OWU drops to 6-14 overall, and 3-8 in NCAC play. Oberlin improves to 10-10, with a 3-8 mark in conference. 

A slow offensive start plagued the Bishops, as the Yeomen opened the game on a 7-0 run. The offense came to life moments later when Jessee Battle buried a three to bring the squad within two. However, the rally stalled there, and that was as close as the Bishops would get in the contest. Oberlin steadily widened the gap from that point, outpacing Ohio Wesleyan 27-15 over the remainder of the half. OWU trailed 36-22 at the intermission. 

The Yeomen kept their foot on the gas after the break, rattling off eight unanswered points to build a commanding 19-point lead with 15:19 to play. However, the Bishops caught fire when they needed it the most, responding with an impressive 14-0 run to shrink the Oberlin lead to five. The rally ultimately stalled once again, and Oberlin answered with a 10-1 run of their own to reclaim a double-digit lead. After regaining their footing, the Yeomen controlled the final seven minutes, pulling away for a 69-57 win. 

THE NUMBERS
OWU shot just 32.7% (17-of-52) from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 triples.

Isaac Ward led the Bishop offense with 15 points, 12 of which came from the three. Ward also added three rebounds. 

Jessee Battle provided a spark off the bench, pouring in 14 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting night. He grabbed two rebounds as well. 

Quinn Hart drained two threes, and finished with seven points. 

Jake Lowman recorded six points, six assists, and four rebounds. 

Peyton Frey added six points–all coming from the charity stripe–along with five rebounds and two assists. 

Phil Wallace tallied four points and three rebounds. 

Carson Murphy finished with three points, courtesy of a three. 

James McCarthy had two points and two rebounds. 

UP NEXT
The Red and Black will look to bounce back on Wednesday, as they welcome John Carroll to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.