ADA — Ohio Northern opened conference play on Wednesday night but couldn’t erase a second-half deficit, falling 88-78 to Wilmington at the ONU Sports Center.

The Polar Bears started strong, building an early lead behind a drive-and-kick three from J.J. Morris that pushed the margin to six. ONU added to it in transition, as Pandora-Gilboa graduate Aiden Harris finished on the break on his way to a 12-point night.

Ottoville graduate Will Miller helped keep ONU close midway through the half, knocking down a three as part of his team-high 15 points. Miller finished just five points shy of 1,000 for his career. Despite the early momentum, ONU entered halftime trailing 43-34.

ONU continued to chip away in the second half. Harris drilled another three to pull the Polar Bears within eight, and Ottawa-Glandorf graduate Theo Maag added 10 points and six rebounds, including a hook shot that kept ONU within reach.

Wilmington, however, answered each push and closed out the game to hand the Polar Bears an 88-78 loss.

Ohio Northern drops to 0-1 in conference play as it looks to regroup moving forward.

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