BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University men's basketball team defeats Wilmington College in an Ohio Athletic Conference by a final score of 85-75 in the Ursprung Gymnasium with Lou Higgins Center.
BW (11-4, 6-2 OAC) was led by junior All-OAC guard Anthony Mazzeo (North Canton/Massillon Jackson) who scored 25 points, had a career-high nine rebounds, and tied for the team lead with three assists. Sophomore forward Christian Pfeiffer (Amherst) and freshman guard Ashton Price (Bay Village/Bay) each added 11 points. Junior guard Jake Snyder (Akron/Archbishop Hoban) got 10 points and also tied for the team lead with three assists.
Wilmington (4-12, 2-8 OAC) was led by senior All-OAC guard Jeffery Mansfield who led with 22 points. Sophomore guard Jayden Lewis and freshman guard Bryce Bird each added 11 points. Freshman guard Lucas Doty contributed 10 points.
The Quakers got out to a fast start with an 8-2 lead. However, the Yellow Jackets got things rolling with a 9-0 run to take an 11-8 lead with 13:16 left in the half. The two teams continued to trade baskets but a few small runs by BW started to the Yellow Jackets from separation. Another 8-0 run by BW, really opened things up and give them a 15-point lead with 2:27 left in the half. Mazzeo was the high man in the half with 13 points as the Yellow Jackets controlled a 43-29 lead. The BW offense was lights out shooting 62% and the defense forced seven turnovers.
After the break, Wilmington came out and turned up the pressure. The Yellow Jackets were able to get some shots to fall and held on to the double-digit lead. A slow spell on offense for BW allowed Wilmington to start clawing back from a 19-point deficit with 9:05 remaining. Some missed shots and turnovers for the Yellow Jackets gave the Quakers some confidence. However, it wasn't enough as some timely shooting and late free throws gave BW a double digit at home at 85-75.
The Yellow Jackets return to the hardwood on Wednesday, January 26 when they travel to Tiffin, Ohio to take on the No. 21 nationally ranked Heidelberg University at 7:00 p.m. in the Seiberling Gymnasium.
