The Polar Bears scored the game's first basket, but the Fightin' Quakers answered with a statement – a 15-0 run over three-and-a-half minutes thanks to baskets from Jackson, Abdul Kanu and Jeffery Mansfield – to take control early. ONU, which was looking to snap a three-game losing skid to Wilmington, got back within four points on a Caleb Bryan basket at the 10:18 mark of the first half, but wouldn't get closer as the visitors took a 45-37 edge into halftime.

 

Two triples from the Polar Bears to open the second half cut the deficit to five (48-43), but Jackson and Mansfield kept the Quakers on top, answered with a triple each. ONU would get back within five points once more (67-62) with 7:48 to play, but Wilmington scored on its next three possessions to put the game away.

 

The Quakers shot a season-best 61.1 percent (33-of-54) from the field along with making 9-of-20 triples. The Polar Bears countered with a 25-of-52 (48.1 percent) performance from the field and 6-of-14 (42.9 percent) from distance. Both teams tallied 26 rebounds, but Wilmington tied its season high with 14 steals.

 

Jackson's 29 points were on 11-of-16 shooting from the field to go along with three free throws and five steals. Mansfield added 19 points while Kanu had dozen. Point guard Payton Smith, though he didn't score, dished out eight assists.

 

The ONU duo of Landen Long and Bryan finished with 34 points in defeat.

 

Wilmington (3-5, 2-0 OAC) heads to preseason favorite, the University of Mount Union, for a 3 p.m. game on Saturday.