DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's basketball team traveled to Denison to wrap up the regular season on Saturday. The rivals were all square at 70 with 16 seconds to play, but the momentum shifted instantly when the Big Red defense forced a turnover. Denison converted a free throw with less than a second on the clock, leaving the Bishops with a gut-wrenching 71-70 loss and silencing any hopes of an NCAC Tournament appearance.

Ohio Wesleyan finishes the season with a 7-18 record overall, with a 4-12 mark in NCAC competition. Denison concludes their regular season with a 17-8 record, and 11-5 in conference play. 

The Bishops started the game strong, as Jake Lowman knocked down a three to take an early 12-8 lead. However, the OWU offense went cold, missing seven straight shots while Denison poured in 16 points to take a 24-12 advantage. Isaac Ward and Jessee Battle led the comeback efforts before the break, scoring seven points each to outscore Denison 16-11 in the final seven minutes. Ohio Wesleyan trailed 35-28 at the intermission. 

Coming out of the break the lead didn't budge much, as both sides matched each other's blows. After six minutes of play, Denison remained in front 46-39. Moments later, the Bishops took a 52-49 lead after a 13-3 run, sparked by five points from Isaac Ward. The Big Red stormed back with a 9-4 run of their own, regaining a 58-56 lead with under nine minutes to play. The teams went back-and-forth over the next seven minutes, with Denison claiming a slight 70-65 advantage as 1:34 remained. 30 seconds later, Battle drained his fifth three-pointer of the contest to inch closer. The Bishops followed up with a forced turnover, which Ward turned into a perfect fadeaway jumper to knot things at 70.  With just 20 seconds remaining, the OWU defense held firm once again, forcing a Denison turnover to secure one final possession. Plans went south after the huddle; the Bishops turned it over, and Denison drew a whistle on the fastbreak with nearly no time remaining. The Big Red sank the first free throw, but missed the second, handing OWU a crushing 71-70 loss.

THE NUMBERS
OWU shot 47.3% (26-55) from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, draining 11 three-pointers. The squad went 7-for-10 from the charity stripe.

Jessee Battle and Isaac Ward provided a one-two punch once again. Battle led the way with a career-high 28 points, including five triples, while adding five rebounds and two assists. Ward finished with 23 points, including three triples, while adding two assists, two rebounds, and two steals.

Cal Klinzing had six points and three rebounds.

James McCarthy tallied four points.

Jake Lowman recorded three points, seven rebounds, and four assists. 

Phil Wallace knocked down one three-pointer and grabbed three rebounds.  

Quinn Hart also scored three points.