GREENCASTLE, Ind. – The Ohio Wesleyan men's basketball team returned to action Wednesday, traveling to DePauw with hopes of getting back in the win column. In a back-and-forth thriller, DePauw converted a layup with five seconds left to take a 77-76 lead. The late bucket proved to be the dagger, as OWU's last-second effort fell short.

Ohio Wesleyan falls to 7-17 overall, with a 4-11 mark in the NCAC. DePauw improves to 17-7, with a 10-5 record in conference play.

The Tigers used an early 8-5 surge to take the lead, but neither side could create a significant advantage as the teams battled throughout a back-and-forth first half. With 9:53 remaining, DePauw laid it in to take a five-point lead, which would stand as the largest margin in the half. Isaac Ward muscled his way to the rim and buried a layup through contact with 29 seconds to play. He sank the ensuing free throw to complete the three-point play and give the Bishops their first lead of the afternoon at 35-34. 

Following the intermission, Jessee Battle drained two triples to quickly build a five-point advantage. The two squads remained locked in a stalemate over the next seven minutes, mirroring each other's offense with 19 points apiece. With just over 10 minutes left on the clock, Phil Wallace provided an offensive spark with back-to-back triples, giving the Bishops a 63-57 advantage. OWU maintained their lead and led by a score of 71-65 with 4:22 remaining. However, DePauw found their rhythm moments later, going on a 7-0 run to take a one-point advantage over the Bishops. The Red and Black trailed by two with 28 seconds left, but Ward finished at the rim and drew a foul once again. He converted at the line, and OWU held a 76-75 lead over the Tigers. With five seconds left, DePauw's Sam Jacobs floated one in to give his squad a 77-76 advantage. The Bishops managed to get one final look as the buzzer sounded, but the shot fell short. 

THE NUMBERS
OWU shot 51.8% (29-56) from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc, draining 12 triples. 

Jessee Battle led the team and tied his career high of 26 points, knocking down six three-pointers. He added four rebounds and two assists.

Isaac Ward was next with 25 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals. 

Phil Wallace scored 11 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out two assists.

Cal Klinzing recorded six points and two rebounds.

Kevin Gallagher added three points, courtesy of a triple.

Jake Lowman tallied three points, five assists, and five rebounds.

Anthony Mordini had two points and three rebounds.

James McCarthy finished with three rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Bishops will bring the regular season to a close on Saturday, as they travel to Denison. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.