MARION, Ind. -- The No. 11-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball team ran off their 15th consecutive victory with a 71-61 triumph over visiting Marian (Ind.) University on Saturday afternoon in a standing room only Luckey Arena.

The 15 straight wins is a new program record for the Wildcats, surpassing the mark of 14 set last season. During the streak the Wildcats have beaten four teams ranked in the NAIA Division I and II Top-25 Coaches' Poll and have reeled off seven wins to open Mid-Central College Conference play.

Nearly 2,000 fans were on hand to observe the record setting performance by the Wildcats. Many fans were forced to stand behind the baseline as Luckey Arena witnessed its largest crowd of the season.

Indiana Wesleyan (18-3, 7-0 MCC) made sure to send the huge crowd home on a victorious note as IWU never trailed on Saturday. But Marian refused to go down easy and kept within striking distance late in the contest.

Although the Wildcats never fell behind, IWU was unable to increase their advantage past six points in the opening 20 minutes of play that featured five ties. The last of those ties came as Marian sophomore forward Mac Fiely hit a free throw with 3:11 before half for a 28-28 tie. The Wildcats would then score seven of the final nine points of the half to grab a 35-30 halftime lead.

Indiana Wesleyan continued their run into the second half with the first six points to gain a 41-30 advantage. Marian was able to get within seven at 43-36 before Indiana Wesleyan was able to score 10 of the next 15 points to garner their largest lead of the day at 12 (53-41) with 11:48 remaining.

But Marian (12-5, 3-4 MCC) made their move with seven consecutive points to come within five at 53-48.

Junior guard Derrick Troyer hit a bucket with 4:48 left to increase the Wildcat lead to 58-50. But Marian quickly scored on their next possession and then a 3-pointer the next time down the floor as IWU led by just three at 58-55 and less than four minutes to play.

Hopkins made it a two possession game as he hit one of two from the foul line (59-55). His second shot caromed right to senior forward Will Hubertz who quickly scored as IWU suddenly led by six at 61-55 and 2:40 remaining in the game.

Indiana Wesleyan made a stop on the defensive end and freshman guard Jordan Weidner was fouled. He connected on both attempts at the line as IWU led 63-55 with 2:20 on the clock.

Marian scored on their next two possessions to cut the deficit in half at 63-59 with 1:34 left. Indiana Wesleyan was able to hit their free throws all game long as Hubertz hit both for a 65-59 advantage.

After a pair of Marian free throws, Troyer and Hubertz each hit one free throw apiece for a 67-61 lead. One last defensive stop secured the win for Indiana Wesleyan with less than 10 seconds to play. Hopkins hit two free throws and following one final miss by Marian was a thunderous dunk by Weidner to close out the game.

Indiana Wesleyan did not shoot particularly well on Saturday except for at the free throw line. IWU shot 82.4-percent (28 of 34) from the charity stripe and just 42.6-percent (20 of 47) from the floor. But Indiana Wesleyan was able to keep Marian in check on the defensive side as MU finished at 37.9-percent (22 of 58) from the field.

Despite poor shooting and 24 turnovers, Indiana Wesleyan helped themselves on the glass. IWU out-rebounded Marian by a whopping 47-21 margin. IWU had 14 offensive rebounds with sophomore forward Patrick Hopkins collecting half of those.

Hopkins, fresh off being named MCC Player of the Week the past two weeks, continued his stellar play versus Marian with his 10th double-double of the season. Hopkins led all players in both scoring with 18 and in rebounding with 16.

Hubertz added 15 points and eight rebounds while Troyer contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sophomore guard Aaron Martin and freshman guard Jordan Weidner each finished with nine points.

Indiana Wesleyan will hit the road for their next game which will be on Tuesday, January 18 at No. 21 ranked Grace (Ind.) College in Winona Lake, Indiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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