GRANVILLE, Ohio — Denison men's basketball captured the NCAC regular-season championship with a thrilling 71–70 victory over Ohio Wesleyan at Livingston Gymnasium. The Big Red erased an early deficit and held on in the final seconds to finish the regular season 17–8 overall and 12–4 in conference play.

First Half: Denison came out strong in the opening quarter, building an early lead behind efficient scoring from inside the paint and timely 3-pointers. Luke Salkowski and Aidan King set the tone with consecutive layups, while Owen Giannoulias and Jack Steinbach added key 3-point shots. Denison's depth showed as multiple substitutions contributed to maintaining momentum, and the Big Red's defense forced turnovers that led to fastbreak points. By the end of the first, Denison had established a double-digit lead, taking a 35–28 advantage over Ohio Wesleyan.

Second Half: The second half was a back-and-forth thriller as Denison maintained a slim lead while fending off a persistent Ohio Wesleyan attack. Both teams traded baskets in the paint and from beyond the arc, with key contributions from Luke Salkowski, Owen Giannoulias, Nick Heath, and Aidan King for the Big Red. Ohio Wesleyan kept the pressure on with timely 3-pointers, while Denison countered with fastbreak layups and clutch free throws. In the final minute, the game came down to the wire, with Giannoulias' decisive free throw giving Denison a 71–70 edge and sealing the NCAC regular-season title.

Key Performer: 

• Nick Heath led the Big Red with 13 points, going 4-of-8 from the field and 2-of-6 from three, while adding five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
• Owen Giannoulias contributed 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting (1-of-2 3PT), dished out seven assists, pulled down six rebounds, and added three steals.
• Luke Salkowski tallied nine points, going 3-of-5 from the field and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line, along with five rebounds and three assists.
• Kellon Smith posted eight points, grabbing seven rebounds and adding two assists.
• Aidan King chipped in eight points, pulling down two rebounds.