Wabash held Ohio Wesleyan University 15 points below its season average and limited two key Bishops players to a total of four points, but it was not enough in a 51-45 North Coast Athletic Conference basketball loss by the Little Giants Wednesday night at Chadwick Court. (View photos from the game here.)
The Little Giants held Kyle Holliday, the sixth-leading scorer in the league and top scorer for the Bishops at 16 points a game, to just two points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field. OWU's Brent Pleiman scored 24 points in the last meeting between the two teams, but was held to two points this time.
Wabash knew it would face some offensive troubles of its own coming into the game. Junior Aaron Brock and his 14.3 points and six rebounds a game average would not be available for the Little Giants due to an elbow injury he has been battling all season long. Wabash's offensive woes showed in the first four minutes of the contest when the Little Giants fell behind 6-1 before Wes Smith final put the ball in the basket. Wabash went on a 12-2 run to take a 13-8 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half before OWU got back on track.
The Little Giants went cold from the field over the next six minutes, allowing the Bishops to move back in front by two points. Wabash drew even once again at 19-19 before eventually trailing 23-19 at the break. The Little Giants managed seven baskets in the first half, including two three-pointers.
The second half would not prove to be much better offensively.
Wabash went 0-for-11 from behind the arc in the final period while shooting 10-of-30 from the field overall. The Little Giants struggled from the free throw line, as well, hitting 9-of-16 attempts for 56 percent. Wabash missed four free throws in the second half, including a possible three-point play and one front end of a one-and-one attempt.
Ohio Wesleyan took advantage of the cold shooting of Wabash, stretching its lead to eight points with 13 minutes left in the game. The Little Giants would close to within three on a layup by Smith, but a missed free throw after the basket would keep the score at 39-36 with 8:05 on the clock. Wabash had opportunities in the final minutes to try and even the score, but could not get any key shot to fall. The Bishops took advantage of late fouls by Wabash to try and stop the clock to secure the six-point win.
Smith led Wabash with 18 points. Ben Burkett tossed in 12 and grabbed a team-high seven boards. Freshman Pat Pellerite scored 19 on 8-of-9 shooting to pace Ohio Wesleyan (13-6, 9-2 NCAC). He also tallied 12 rebounds.
Wabash (8-11, 3-8 NCAC) travels to the College of Wooster Saturday for a 2 p.m. contest.