Findlay, Ohio- The University of Findlay men's basketball team delivered a statement win on Tuesday night, Nov. 25, defeating the Wayne State Warriors 95-81 inside Croy Physical Education Center. In a matchup that featured plenty of offense, Findlay set the tone early with hot shooting and relentless pace, building a commanding first-half lead that proved decisive. The Oilers showcased their depth with 50 bench points and knocked down 14 three-pointers, giving fans a glimpse of the team's potential as they continue through the non-conference slate.

Wayne State struck first with an early bucket, but Findlay quickly found its rhythm. After trading baskets in the opening minutes, the Oilers exploded for an 8–0 run midway through the first half, sparked by junior Jake Bishop's transition three and strong bench contributions. That surge flipped the momentum and gave Findlay control of the game. The Oilers continued to push the pace, knocking down threes and converting turnovers into points. By the six-minute mark, Findlay had stretched its lead to 21 points (43-22) thanks to back-to-back triples from Jagger Landers. The Oilers shot an impressive 61.1% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc in the first half, heading into the break with a commanding 53–33 advantage.

The Warriors came out aggressive after halftime, using an 8-0 run at 17:34 to cut the deficit to 15 and inject some life into the contest. However, the Oilers leaned on their depth and execution, getting key buckets from seniors Mason Brandt and Jagger Landers while sophomore Steele Meister provided stability inside and at the free-throw line. Although Wayne State outscored Findlay 48-42 in the second half, the Oilers' early cushion and balanced scoring proved too much to overcome. Findlay closed out the game at the line and sealed a 95-81 victory.

Findlay put together an efficient offensive performance, shooting 55% from the field (33-of-60) and an impressive 51.9% from three-point range (14-of-27). The Oilers also converted 83.3% of their free throws (15-of-18). The Warriors countered with 44.4% shooting (28-of-63), including 38.9% from deep (7-of-18), and hit 18-of-21 free throws (85.7%). Findlay held a slight edge on the glass with 34 rebounds to Wayne State's 33, and the Oilers' bench was a major factor, contributing 50 points compared to 26 from Wayne State. Fast-break opportunities also favored Findlay, who scored 20 points in transition versus 7 for the Warriors.

For Findlay, Meister led the way with career-high 19 points and six rebounds, providing a strong presence inside and at the free-throw line. Landers added 13 points, including two big three-pointers, while Bishop chipped in ten points on 4-of-5 shooting. Junior Anthony Johnson contributed 12 points and four assists, and Brandt was steady with nine points, six rebounds, and three assists. Off the bench, Findlay's depth shined with multiple players scoring in double figures.

Tonight's victory marks a historic milestone for head coach Charlie Ernst, who officially notched the 300th win of his career. Now in his 15th season at the helm of the Orange and Black, Ernst owns a 300–116 record, good for a 72.1% winning percentage.

Findlay will be back in action Friday, Nov. 28 as they take on Bluffton University inside Niekamp Arena.