North Manchester, Ind. - Manchester battled Ohio Northern on Saturday at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena, ultimately falling 109–68 in a matchup where the Polar Bears' depth, tempo, and offensive efficiency proved decisive.

The Spartans opened the afternoon with good energy, trading early baskets and briefly holding small leads thanks to aggressive drives from Ty Lynas and steady playmaking from Max Robertson. Jason Kobe and Logan Brace added defensive activity that helped keep the game close through the opening minutes.

As the half progressed, turnovers and second-chance points shifted momentum sharply toward Ohio Northern. Manchester's 11 first-half turnovers turned into transition opportunities, and ONU capitalized with a strong push built on offensive rebounds and fast-break scoring. The Spartans trailed 48–25 at halftime.

Manchester responded with a much-improved offensive rhythm in the second half, putting up 43 points behind Lynas' attacking mindset and timely perimeter shooting from Clay McCorkle. Robertson added reliable scoring and passing, and the Spartans found more space to operate in the halfcourt. Despite the better flow, ONU continued to stretch the lead by shooting efficiently both inside and from long range, while their bench contributed heavily throughout the period.

Lynas led Manchester with 19 points and five rebounds, followed by McCorkle with 12 points, and Robertson with eight points and three assists. Kobe chipped in six points and four rebounds, and several other Spartans provided rotational contributions. As a team, Manchester shot 27-for-58 from the field and 6-for-23 from three, but the combination of 21 turnovers and a 39–23 rebounding disadvantage made it difficult to contain the Polar Bears' offensive pressure.

Overall, Manchester showed stretches of competitive play—particularly in the second half—but Ohio Northern's pace, shooting, and depth defined the final margin. The Spartans now look ahead to conference play, aiming to build on the offensive improvements and carry forward the positives they displayed after halftime.