TOPEKA, Kan. – The Washburn Ichabods' first half set the tone for their highest scoring total of the season in a 96-86 win over the No. 9-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos on Saturday night in Lee Arena. The Ichabods set off on the road for the next three games beginning with Rogers State at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The Ichabods came out of the gates leading 14-5, forcing the Bronchos to take a timeout in the first five minutes. Washburn kept a strong lead ending the half with a 48-33 lead. The Ichabods shot almost 60 percent and made seven triples. Jeremy Harrell led the team with 11 points, going 2-for-4 from deep. Jalen Lewis also made two triples while scoring 10.

Washburn built the lead to 16 early in the second half before Central Oklahoma went on a 10-2 run. The Ichabods held off the Bronchos by getting to the free-throw line. The Ichabods went 19-of-20 from the charity stripe in the second half. The Bronchos down 13 with a little under four minutes remaining made the game interesting.

Bronchos' Isaiah Wade scored seven in a 9-2 run to bring Central Oklahoma to within six points. Tyler Nelson then made two free throws, then Lewis stole the ball in the final minute to seal the game.

Despite Central Oklahoma outscoring Washburn in the second half, the Ichabods held on. Lewis led all scorers with 23 points while shooting 7-for-8 from the free thrown line. Jonny Clausing scored a season-high 13 points while shooting 5-for-6 from the field. The Ichabods had five players score in double-digits.

Isaiah Wade led the Bronchos with 28 points.

The Ichabods outscored the Bronchos 21-10 in fast-break points and Washburn's bench had a 29 to 17 advantage avenging an overtime loss to UCO in Edmond earlier this season in a 97-87 loss.