WHEATON, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's basketball team lost for the first time this year, dropping an 86-73 decision at Wheaton.

Wheaton came out blistering to start the contest. Michael Blaszczyk knocked down a pair of free throws with 14:27 remaining in the first half to put Benedictine ahead 11-7. Wheaton answered with seven straight points and did not trail again. The hosts used an 11-2 run to move ahead by double digits at 29-19 with 7:24 to play in the first. The lead would extend to as many as 17 in the opening frame, which saw Wheaton shoot 69.2 percent from the floor.

John Dodson converted on a three-point play at the start of the second half, but Wheaton quickly built the biggest lead of the game, jumping ahead by 18. Benedictine slowly chipped away, but could pull no closer than 11 on a three from Brayden Olson at the 3:35 mark. Benedictine outscored Wheaton 38-37 in the second half.

Both teams had solid shooting days. Wheaton shot 52.4 percent in the second and finished at 61.7 percent for the game. Benedictine closed at 48 percent for the contest. Blaszczyk paced Benedictine with a season high 27 points, one off a career mark. Dodson finished with 13 points. Benedictine held a 24-21 advantage on the glass.

Benedictine (2-1) continues the conference slate on Saturday afternoon with a home contest against Edgewood at 4:15 p.m.