GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kyle Mangas poured in 32 points to lead No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball to a 75-68 win over host Aquinas (Mich.) at the Crossroads League/WHAC Challenge. IWU outscored Aquinas 42-31 in the second half to pull out the seven point win after trailing by four points at halftime.

SECON HALF SURGE

Indiana Wesleyan shot 56-percent from the field in the final 20 minutes on 14-of-25 shooting. IWU hit 3-of-5 3-point attempts and 11-of-13 from the free throw line.

CONTROLLING THE PAINT

The Wildcats dominated down low and outscored the Saints 37-18 in the paint. IWU held a sizable 41-25 advantage in rebounds and doubled up Aquinas in offensive rebounds. Seth Maxwell had two of the Wildcats’ five blocked shots.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Indiana Wesleyan has navigated the difficult early season Crossroads League/WHAC Challenge quite successfully. IWU has won four straight games in the Challenge and 13-of-15 dating back to the 2011-12 season. IWU has won eight straight meetings with Aquinas.

TONAGEL THOUGHTS

“Our offense is a work in progress to find its rhythm. It’s been nice to have a defense to fall back on. We rode the heart of Joel Okafor. He’s a special kid because he gives everything he has for his teammates.”

NEXT FOR THE WILDCATS

IWU finishes the Crossroads League/WHAC Challenge at 4 p.m. on Saturday vs. No. 7 Cornerstone (Mich.). Indiana Wesleyan returns home to Luckey Arena on Tuesday in a national semifinal rematch vs. No. 2 IU East. The game begins at 8 p.m. in Luckey Arena. The women’s basketball team hosts Cornerstone prior to the game at 6 p.m.