DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's basketball team hosted Wabash on Wednesday, aiming to snap a four-game skid. The Battling Bishops shot 70% from the field in the first half, including 75% from three to take a 47-31 lead into halftime. The Little Giants clawed back to within two with five seconds remaining, but OWU held on for a 79-75 victory. 

Ohio Wesleyan advances to 7-15 on the year, with a 4-9 mark in NCAC competition. Wabash falls to 14-8 overall, and 8-5 in conference.

The familiar foes traded buckets early, and were tied 9-9 after six minutes of play. The Bishop offense erupted moments later, as the squad connected on seven of their next eight shots. Quinn Hart led the 17-4 surge, accounting for five points during the stretch. Wabash cut into the deficit and trailed by only six with 5:44 remaining in the half. However, the OWU offense found their rhythm once again, finishing the half on a 16-6 run to take a 47-31 lead into the break. Hart led all scorers with 11, followed by Isaac Ward with seven.

Following the break, Jessee Battle picked up right where the Bishops left off, driving to the hoop to push the lead to 23. Wabash looked to chip away at the deficit, and did exactly that. With just over five minutes to play, Luke Ellspermann knocked down a jumper to trim the lead to 10. The Little Giants then connected on back-to-back triples to quickly get within four. With just five seconds left, Ellspermann converted once again, this time bringing Wabash within two. Looking to save time, the Little Giants intentionally fouled Hart, who knocked down both free throws to put the game nearly out of reach. Wabash would get one final shot off, but it fell short, and the Bishops got back in the win column, 79-75.    

THE NUMBERS
Ohio Wesleyan shot 53.8% (28-of-52) from the field and 45% from beyond the arc, knocking down nine triples. 

The Red and Black dominated the paint, outscoring Wabash 38-26 down low. 

Jessee Battle led the offense with 18 points, going 7-for-15 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. He added seven rebounds and two blocks.

Isaac Ward finished with 15 points and two rebounds. 

Quinn Hart had 15 points, two rebounds, and one block. 

Jake Lowman scored seven points, including two triples, dished six assists, and grabbed four rebounds. 

Phil Wallace knocked down two threes, finishing with seven points, six rebounds and three assists. 

Kevin Gallagher recorded five points and two steals. 

Cal Klinzing scored five points and grabbed four boards. 

Carson Murphy had four points and handed out two assists. 

James McCarthy contributed three points and three assists. 

UP NEXT
The Bishops are back at Branch Rickey Arena on Saturday, as they host Wooster at 3 p.m. Saturday is also Bishop Backers Winter Community Day featuring the Delaware Expo in Gordon Field House from noon to 3 p.m. Free admission to both the game and the expo will be provided in exchange for an unexpired canned good, benefiting the Delaware County Hunger Alliance.