HIRAM, Ohio - January 31, 2024 - The Hiram men's basketball team fought hard on the defensive side in the first half and found its offensive groove in the second half of a 78-64 loss to Ohio Wesleyan on Thursday evening at Price Gymnasium.

The Terriers trimmed a 17-point margin to single digits right before the intermission and eventually outshot its opposition, 57% to 52%, over the final 20 minutes of the conference affair.

It marked another step in the right direction for a team that has now come within striking distance of beating two NCAC opponents in the last week alone.

"I just thought we did a better job of moving the ball, not just letting it sit with one person," head coach Taylor Roth said of the team's offense in the second half.

Trent Jakacki added to his breakout season with another 18 points, while Ivan Yang scored a season-high 14 points in the starting frontcourt. Yang found the open lane – both with and without the ball – throughout the second half to help the offense to its efficient mark from the field.

"He's just so physical, so aggressive, so unselfish," Roth said. "He's just willing to do all the little things that lead to wins."

Ohio Wesleyan would ultimately prevail behind 42 combined points from Henry Hinkle and Jessee Battle. The Battling Bishops made 9 3-pointers in the game, all of which came from their starting five.

Hiram will next host Oberlin on Saturday at 2 p.m. as part of its Teams of Distinction celebration.