PHOENIX, Ariz. -- No. 12-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball ran off a 39-13 run to close out the first half in an 83-67 trouncing of University of Rio Grande (Ohio) at the 2010 Grand Canyon Classic in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Wildcats completely dominated the opening half in their first game despite not playing in 11 days, and just the second time in 24 days. It was only the third game for IWU in December as Indiana Wesleyan defeated Bethel (Ind.) College on December 4 and Notre Dame (Ohio) College on December 17.

Indiana Wesleyan shot a blistering 59.5-percent (22 of 37) during the first 20 minutes in the desert sun to build a 53-26 lead at the half. IWU led 14-13 when freshman guard Jordan Weidner hit a jumper to begin the 39-13 run that lasted over 13 and a half minutes.

The victory also extends the Wildcats win streak to nine in a row, the third longest in program history. After opening the season at 3-3, the nine game win streak has pushed IWU to 12-3 on the season and can match the second longest win streak tomorrow at 10 in a row which was set during the 2006-07 season.

Sophomore forward Patrick Hopkins recorded his sixth double-double of the season and second straight. He led all players in scoring with 18 and in rebounding with 11. Hopkins opened the game on fire with eight of the first 12 Wildcat points on Tuesday.

Sophomore guard George Jones IV scored a season-high 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Weidner and junior guard Derrick Troyer each added 10 in the win.

Indiana Wesleyan controlled the boards and gathered a season-high 48 rebounds. Hopkins' 11 rebounds paced IWU as 11 different Wildcats had at least one rebound. Senior forward Josh Williams finished with eight caroms and senior forward Will Hubertz pulled down six.

Rio Grande (4-9) finished at 38.5-percent (25 of 65) shooting with just 3-of-18 (16.7-percent) from 3-point range.

Indiana Wesleyan will seek win No. 10 in a row on Wednesday night as IWU battles Westminster (Utah) College at 8 p.m. in the Wildcats' final contest at the 2010 Grand Canyon Classic in Phoenix.

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