Delaware, Ohio - DePauw was within two points of host Ohio Wesleyan in the final four minutes, but the Battling Bishops gradually pulled away for a 74-65 North Coast Athletic Conference win over the Tigers. The Tigers moved to 10-13 overall and 7-10 in the NCAC, while Ohio Wesleyan is 15-10 overall and 12-6 in NCAC play.

DePauw jumped out to a 13-4 lead in the opening six minutes, but the Battling Bishops scored eight straight and took its first lead at 23-21. Ohio Wesleyan scored the final five points of the half to take a 35-31 lead at the intermission.

The hosts built a nine-point lead in the opening three minutes of the second half, but an 8-2 DePauw run gave DePauw the lead again at 51-49. It was short-lived as Ohio Wesleyan scored the next seven.

DePauw was within two at 60-58, but Elijah Hales couldn't connect on a 3-pointer and OWU's Henry Hinkle countered with a trey which started a 10-3 stretch for the Battling Bishops. The Tigers were within five at 70-65 with one minute left, but Jack Clement and Henry Hiinkle wrapped up the win with two free throws each.

Nolan Niego paced DePauw with 15 points and three steals, while Grant Niego added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Clement scored 25 for Ohio Wesleyan and Hinkle added 19 with Tony Carter grabbing nine rebounds.

OWU shot 50.0 percent from the floor to DePauw's 37.7 percent and the Battling Bishops knocked in 10-of-20 3-point attempts.

DePauw opens North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament play as the number-six seed and will return to Ohio Wesleyan for a 5 p.m. quarterfinal game on Tuesday, February 22, at 5 p.m.