Junior forward DJ Johnson's career-high 25 points led all players as the Owls held off the Bulldogs 86-82 in their American Midwest Conference opener on Saturday at Anderson Arena.
Johnson was 12-of-19 from the floor as one of four William Woods scorers in double figures.
Junior guard Jarrett Boss logged 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while sophomore guard Ryan Hill and senior forward Nate Bitner posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Owls (3-4, 1-0 AMC) finished 46 percent (34-of-74) from the floor, while knocking down 33 percent (8-of-24) from 3-point range. Hill led all players with nine rebounds and Hill pulled in eight as William Woods had a 47-39 edge in rebounds.
The Owls plays an exhibition game at NCAA Division II Maryville University at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.