LAKELAND, Fla. – No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball used a 20-4 run to end the game en route to a 94-75 win over No. 21 Warner (Fla.) at the Southeastern Invitational in Lakeland, Florida. The Wildcats leave the Sunshine State with wins over No. 8 Southeastern and No. 21 Warner to improve to 13-3 on the season.

CLOSING TIME

Jaylen Williams hit a jump shot with 7:51 left in the game to bring Warner to within three at 74-71. However, Indiana Wesleyan scored 20 of the next 24 points to close the game for the 94-75 win. Grant Smith was a main factor in the stretch as he scored nine of his 12 points in the run.

CONTROLLING THE GLASS

Warner entered play ranked 14th in the NAIA with a +8.8 rebound margin and averaged 40 rebounds per game. Indiana Wesleyan won the board battle by a 36-27 margin. It was the fewest rebounds in a game this season for Warner, which came last night with 32 vs. Saint Francis (Ind.).

LONG TIME COMING

Indiana Wesleyan and Warner had met just four times prior to Saturday’s game with the Lions winning three of those games. The two teams last met nearly 16 years ago – December 17, 2002 – a 103-73 win for Warner. The last IWU victory in the series was a 74-67 win on November 21, 1992 at the Cedarville Invitational in Cedarville, Ohio.

TONAGEL THOUGHTS

“What a great trip to come down here and get two quality roads wins against ranked teams. Our team showed togetherness on and off the court which is crucial for reaching our potential.”

NEXT FOR THE WILDCATS

Indiana Wesleyan is off until after Christmas. IWU’s next game is at home on December 28 vs. No. 13 Indiana Tech. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Luckey Arena.