MADISON, N.J. – The Wilkes University men's basketball team returned to the hardwood on Wednesday night in an away clash against Drew University, falling in a tough loss, 98-87.

Following the mid-week defeat, the Colonels fell to 8-6 (3-4 Landmark), while the Rangers improved their 2025-26 record to 11-3 (5-2 Landmark).

Eli Becker (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra) began the scoring for Wilkes with a jumper for two as the Colonels took the lead just 10 seconds in. From there, it was a back-and-forth scoreline as the away side trailed by just two points with 16:14 left in the first half. Drew would go on a 15-3 run, hitting four three-pointers to make it a 25-11 game with 12:22 remaining in the half. 

The Colonels pulled back within seven as Daniel Santaniello's (Roaring Brook Twp., PA/Scranton Prep) jumper made it a 26-19 game, but the Rangers would pull away once again, going on a 17-10 run. 

By halftime, the Colonels trailed 52-42 as they looked for a spark entering the second half. Wilkes found it early on as back-to-back layups from Santaniello and Lucas Lesko (Northampton, PA/Northampton) cut the lead to six, beginning an eventual 10-4 run within the first five minutes of play in the second half. 

From there, the Colonels were unable to muster a comeback as they traded points with the Rangers, unable to cut further into the home side's lead. 

With 1:21 left in the game, Wilkes pulled within five as Lucas Lesko (Northampton, PA/Northampton) made two free throws. Drew would end the game on a 6-0 run in the final minute of play, securing the win. 

For Drew, Andre De Los Reyes ended the night with 34 points, a career high. Eli Yusavage recorded 20 points, while David Musial led the Rangers with eight rebounds. 

For Wilkes, Becker recorded 25 points and nine rebounds, just one short of a double-double. Lesko recorded 20 points, also leading the team with two three-pointers. Colin Ackerman (Manasquan, NJ/Wall Township) finished with eight assists as well as 14 points. 

The Colonels return to the court on Saturday, Jan. 17 with a matchup against Goucher College. Tip-off against the Gophers is slated for 2 p.m. in Baltimore, Md.