BRIDGEWATER, MA.- The Wesleyan men's basketball team rebounded after a tough loss at No. 5 Williams just a few days ago with a victory over previously undefeated Bridgewater State. Preston Maccoux '23 led the way for the Cardinals, pouring in a career-best 25 points as Wesleyan takes down the Bears 95-91. Wesleyan now improves to 3-5 while Bridgewater State falls to 9-1.

Both teams knew they were going to be in for a high-scoring affair, with Bridgewater State coming in scoring over 89 points per game which ranks top 10 in the country. Wesleyan has put up 71 points per game this season, but play a fast-style of basketball that producing a plethora of shots every game. The Bears shot 52% from the field, knocking down 12 of 32 three-point attempts (37.5%). Wesleyan was able to connect on 45% of their field goals, connecting on nine of 33 three-point attempts (27.3%).

The Bears came out hot, getting out to an early lead thanks to some impressive shooting. The Bears netted six of 11 shots, including four three-pointers to go up nine and force a Wesleyan timeout just five minutes into the game. The Bears continued to pour it on after the timeout, extending their lead to 13 on a Dante Kikuba layup, two of his 11 first-half points.

The Cardinals responded with an 8-0 run that got them right back into the game. Shackylle Dezonie '23 capped off the run with a mid-range jumper to cut the lead down to five with 8:17 remaining in the half. The Bears managed to get the lead back up to double-digits with only 3:20 remaining, but Wesleyan ended the half on a 14-3 run. They would take their first lead of the contest on a Maccoux jumper with just seven second left to head into the break with the lead.

Bridgewater State were quick to take their lead back with an opening half free throws by Emerson Halbleib . The Bears continued their momentum over the next five minutes, reclaiming their double digit advantage with 14:16 remaining. Wesleyan came storming back once again, cutting the deficit to just three with a Gabe Ravetz '23 three-pointer at the 11:25 mark.

Ravetz buried another triple three minutes later that would even the game at 72. The senior guard was fouled on the shot, eventually canning the free throw to give Wesleyan their first lead since the opening minute of the second half and they would not give it up again. The Bears would keep the game within two possessions the entire final seven minutes, but clutch free throw shooting by Maccoux closed this one out, 95-91.

Five Cardinals reach double figures, with Maccoux leading the way with 25 points and eight rebounds. The captain also did it on the defensive end, managing three steals. Dezonie was one rebound shy of his 2^nd double-double on the year, finishing with 17 points (8-10 FG) to go with his nine rebounds. Ravetz put together a 15-point (5-11 FG) six-rebound performance in just 23 minutes. Nicky Johnson '25 ties his season-high with nine assists, while scoring 13 points and bringing down three rebounds. The fifth Cardinal to reach double figures was Jared Langs '25, scoring 10 points while bringing down a season high seven boards.

Wesleyan will enjoy a 20-day break from competition, with their next game slated for December 30^th  against the University of Maine-Farmington. This will be the first game in the Springfield Tournament, that will take place over the 30^th and 31^st of December.