No. 4 WashU Bears Suffer Last‑Second Loss as Illinois Wesleyan Edges Out in 78-76 Finish to 2025
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ST. LOUIS – Teh No. 4 Washington University in st. louis men’s basketball team saw its unbeaten run end in dramatic fashion,falling 78-76 to Illinois wesleyan in the final game of the 2025 calendar year.
Sophomore Connor May led WashU with 20 points and seven rebounds,while senior Yogi Oliff contributed 16 points,five boards and two assists.
The contest stayed physical from the opening tip, with WashU moving in front early before Illinois Wesleyan surged and fought back throughout the second half.
WashU opened the scoring when Ryan Cohen connected on a three-pointer.The Bears maintained a small edge for much of the first half, with May and Oliff fueling the offense at key moments.
In the second half, WashU pushed the advantage to as manny as nine points before IWU answered with a late push. The game remained tied late, and May tied the score at 76-76 with eight seconds remaining after a free throw by may.
Illinois Wesleyan secured the win on a putback by Mason Funk with the clock winding down, denying WashU a closing victory.
WashU held a decisive rebounding edge, 41-31, in a game that featured constant back-and-forth action and finishing drama.
the Bears now stand 8-1 on the season and will regroup for a quick turnaround after the calendar-year finale.
WashU does not play again until early January, departing for Holland, Michigan, to participate in a tournament hosted by Hope College. The Bears meet Hope on January 2 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time,followed by a matchup with olivet on January 3 at 12 p.m. ET.
Following the game, WashU’s athletics program underscored the importance of philanthropic support for its student-athletes. Alumni, parents and friends provide essential resources that help sustain top-level competition and the extensive experience for WashU’s scholar-athletes, while funding ongoing growth within the department.
Key game facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Illinois Wesleyan 78, WashU 76 |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Date | December 2025 |
| WashU Leading Scorers | Connor May 20 points; Yogi Oliff 16 points |
| Rebound Advantage | WashU 41, IWU 31 |
| Next Opponents | Hope College (Jan 2, 7 p.m. ET) and Olivet (Jan 3, 12 p.m. ET) |
| Notable | Mason Funk game-winning putback for IWU |
Evergreen takeaways
Close games test depth and poise. WashU demonstrated offensive efficiency behind May and Oliff, but the late sequence underscored the importance of late-game execution and defensive focus in high-stakes moments.
With January coming quickly, the bears will depend on leadership from their experienced players as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule and aim to sustain a high national ranking into conference play.
Two questions for readers
Which WashU player should take on a more prominent scoring role to close out tight games in January?
What adjustments should WashU prioritize before its January tournament run to protect late leads?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which player you expect to elevate in the coming weeks.
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