Sam Morsy inspired relegation threatened Wigan to victory over Brentford as Jota's late goal was in vain.
The Latics midfielder caused problems in the first half and hit the post before scoring from a similar range.
He had a second soon after as the visiting defence went to sleep but it may go down as a Harlee Dean own goal as the Bees captain had the final touch.
Scott Hogan was the notable absentee from the Brentford squad as he remains subject to interest from West Ham.
The striker travelled with the Bees but was not selected on the bench with Reece Cole named instead with Dean Smith selecting an unchanged starting line up.
The Bees made the brighter start but found themselves being pegged back with Morsy threatening with a fierce shot that hit the post.
Brentford didn't heed that warning and Morsy gave the home side the lead.
Just minutes later, Will Grigg got a sight of goal before Bentley saved it. From the rebound, Morsy's shot went in off the unfortunate Dean.
The Bees were seldom in the game until the closing stages when Jota bundled the ball home after Wigan goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard spilled Philipp Hofmann's shot.
