SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Kenyon College men's basketball team endured a difficult night offensively on Wednesday evening, falling to conference foe Wittenberg University, 64-44, inside Pam Evans Smith Arena. The loss drops the Owls to 8-7 overall and 2-4 in North Coast Athletic Conference play.
Kenyon struggled to find a rhythm from the opening tip, as Wittenberg jumped out to an early advantage and never relinquished control. The Owls shot just 16-of-53 (30.2 percent) from the field for the game and endured their toughest shooting performance of the season from beyond the arc, finishing 1-for-13 (7.7 percent). The Tigers shot 41.1 percent (23-of-56) from the floor and connected on seven three-pointers to steadily build separation.
After a slow start that saw Kenyon go scoreless for the opening four minutes, the Owls briefly settled in behind buckets from first-year Langston Foster and Bence Lendvay. Lendvay's three-pointer at the 11:58 mark trimmed the deficit to 12-9, but Wittenberg responded with a run fueled by perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. The Tigers closed the half, taking a commanding 35-13 lead into the break.
Kenyon showed improved energy coming out of halftime, opening the second half with baskets from Foster and sophomore Jackson Burke, but Wittenberg answered quickly to maintain a comfortable cushion. Despite generating 17 second-chance points and competing on the offensive glass, the Owls were unable to convert those opportunities consistently enough to mount a comeback.
Foster paced Kenyon with 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting in 19 minutes, attacking the lane effectively throughout the night. Sophomore Nick Valentino provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight points while going a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line and adding three steals on the defensive end. First-year Jack Corrigan Conaty contributed six points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting effort, along with three rebounds and a steal.
Kenyon looks to regroup as they return home this Saturday, January 17, to host Wabash College on Alumni Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
