Delaware, Ohio- The Denison men's basketball team breaks its two-game losing streak, with a 65-60 victory over the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops. Today's win is the Big Red's second conference matchup win, and improves their record to 7-4 for the season. The Battling Bishops drop to 3-8 overall, and 0-3 in league play.

First Half

It took about ten minutes for either team to shake off the holiday break cob webs and find their rhythm. The two teams traded baskets throughout the first half, resulting in ten lead changes, with the Battling Bishops holding the lead for over 12 minutes. Leading the Denison's offense was Kellon Smith, who tallied eight points and one assist throughout the half. Facilitating the other portion of the Big Red's scoring was Owen Giannoulias, who recorded six assists throughout the first. Despite a short run to close the half, Denison headed to the locker room down 29-27 at the end of the first half. 

Second Half

Denison opened the second half hot, with Aidan King sinking the first two baskets of the Big Red's 10-3 run. Despite holding the lead for the first five minutes of play, the Battling Bishops clawed their way back into the game, tying the game at 50 apiece with just under six minutes left in the game. Looking to secure its second North Coast Athletic Conference win and close out 2025 strong, the Big Red regained its composure. Nick Heath would knock down a crucial three to jump-start Denison's scoring; however, foul trouble for the Battling Bishops would ultimately seal the win for the Big Red. Thanks to one more jumper in the key by Luke Salkowski and his dominance as an offensive rebounder, Denison would close out the game at the line, scoring its final seven points from the strike, beating Ohio Wesleyan 65-60.

Top Performances

• Scoring all of his points in the second half, sophomore Luke Salkowski recorded his second career double-double, after putting up 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

• Kellon Smith finished the afternoon with a team-high 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

• Owen Giannoulias finished with a career high of seven assists.

Up Next for the Big Red:
Denison will kick off the New Year, hosting Kenyon College on Saturday, January 3, at 3 p.m. in Livingston Gymnasium.