ADA, Ohio - Christian Jones poured in 30 points for the Wilmington College men's basketball team, but the Ohio Northern University (ONU) duo of Nate Burger and Ryan Bruns combined for 51 points as the Polar Bears edged the Fightin' Quakers 92-83 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play on Wednesday evening.
Wilmington made the first two shots of the game as Jordan Jones and Christian Jones hit layups. Trailing 4-0, ONU answered by scored 15 of the game's next 19 points to take a 15-8 edge at the 13:17 mark in the first half.
The Polar Bears would lead by as many as 17 points (43-26) in the first half, but the Fightin' Quakers ended the half on a 10-3 run fueled by a three-pointer from Andrew Russell and five Christian Jones free throws. Trailing 46-36 at halftime, Christian Jones got Wilmington within nine early in the second half by answering an ONU basket with a three-pointer.
Ohio Northern answered with a 20-10 run over the next six minutes to take a 68-49 advantage. Wilmington battled back to within four points at 85-81, but ONU hit free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Christian Jones led all scorers with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field and 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Jordan Jones, Russell and Nathan Scott also scored in double figures.
Burger finished with 27 points and nine rebounds for the Polar Bears. Bruns turned in a double-double with 24 points and 14 boards.
ONU made 28 of its 61 field goal attempts for 45.9 percent shooting from the field while Wilmington connected on 25-of-64 shots for 39.1 percent. The Polar Bears converted 31-of-41 free throw attempts compared to 25-of-32 for Wilmington. Both teams committed 26 fouls in game.
Ohio Northern outrebounded the Quakers 48-34, but the Wilmington defense forced 19 turnovers.
The Quakers (3-4, 0-2 OAC) host Heidelberg University for a 2 p.m. game at Hermann Court on Saturday.