BARBOURVILLE, Ky. -- Following three straight home games to start the season, the No. 24-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball team hit the road for the first time and defeated Union (Ky.) College 73-67 in Barbourville, Kentucky.

Sophomore guard Aaron Martin hit a crucial 3-point basket for a 66-63 lead with 2:12 left in the contest. The shot from deep broke the ninth tie of the game and quickly answered a Union basket 11 seconds earlier that forced the tie. Indiana Wesleyan did not trail the rest of the night.

Union cut the lead to one point on their next possession but Indiana Wesleyan sophomore forward Patrick Hopkins responded with a basket in the paint to extend the lead back to three at 68-65 and 1:41 remaining.

Freshman guard Jordan Weidner forced a Bulldog turnover which resulted in a free throw opportunity for the Wildcats. Martin missed both free throws with 1:17 on the clock, but Hopkins grabbed the big offensive rebound that resulted in another trip to the line for the Wildcats.

Senior forward Will Hubertz connected on both free throws for a 70-65 lead. Ian Davis sliced the lead to three with a jumper as 44 seconds remained. Union fouled Weidner who hit one of two free throws for a 71-67 advantage for IWU.

Union had a chance to cut the deficit to one possession but turned the ball over once again with 17 seconds left and was forced to foul. Weidner hit both free throws to ice the game at 73-67.

Hopkins continues to be a force down low for Indiana Wesleyan as the sophomore scored 22 points and grabbed seven boards. He finished 8-of-13 from the floor. Weidner added nine points and three assists and freshman guard Jeff Hoskins chipped in with seven points. The trio helped Indiana Wesleyan hold a substantial 38-8 advantage in points off the bench.

Hubertz and Martin each finished with 13 points on the evening. Hubertz was 3-of-8 from deep while Martin was 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. The pair combined for 11 rebounds.

Indiana Wesleyan improves to 3-1 this season while Union remains winless at 0-3.

The Wildcats next competition will be this weekend as par t of the MCC/WHAC Challenge in Grand Rapids, Michigan. IWU will battle Aquinas (Mich.) College at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 12 and then No. 4-ranked Cornerstone (Mich.) University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 13.

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