FORT WAYNE, Ind. - No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball used a second half surge Saturday to top No. 1 the University of Saint Francois, 100-89. The Wildcats totaled 11 offensive rebounds and a 52-point scoring outburst in half two, handing the Cougars their second straight loss as the No. 1 team in the NAIA.


 

THE ESSENTIALS

 

• Location: Hutzell Athletic Center  | Fort Wayne, Ind.
  Records: IWU - 10-1, 4-0 | USF - 10-2, 2-2 CRL
  NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #7 | USF - #1
  Last 10 Meetings: 8-2 in IWU's favor

 

WHAT HAPPENED

 

• IWU would tie things up at 15 and 48, but USF would lead the entire first half.
• Neither team found rhythm on the defensive end as both teams shot over 50%.
• The red and gray punched with a 9-0 run in the second half to build a 14-point advantage.

 

NOTABLE NUMBERS

 

• 3 - The number of turnovers IWU had in the first half.
• 30 - How many longs balls USF shot, the second-most by an IWU opponent this season. 
• 10 - How many more free throw IWU shot compared to USF. 
• 19 - Total number of assists on 33 made buckets. 
• 5 - The amount of Wildcats who scored in double figures. 
• 15 - How many second-chance points IWU had in the second half. 

 

KEY WILDCATS

 

• Michael Thompson III - 25 points, good for a new career-high
• Dan Largey - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 turnover
• Tim Adetukasi - 17 points, 5 rebounds
• Seth Maxwell - 13 points, 4 rebounds
• Spencer Piercefield - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

 

QUOTABLES

 

• He was amazing tonight and I am so proud of him. He is a tremendous leader who brings a ton of energy and passion to the game - Head Coach Greg Tonagel on Michael Thompson III
• Our guys all year long have been a pretty good second half team. They stayed with things and play with a ton of physicality and that showed to be true after 40 minutes. - Head Coach Greg Tonagel

 

LOOKING FORWARD

 

• IWU faces No. 1 Saint Francis on the road Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.

 

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

 

• Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Follow Men's Basketball (@IWUHoops): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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