MARION, Ind. - No. 9 Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball capped off their third home game in the last week with another victory after defeating Indiana University East with a final score of 98-83. The Wildcats saw six players reach double figures. Griffin Kliewer led the scoring with 26 points, and Caedmon Bontrager tallied his first career double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. After their final home game before Christmas break, IWU heads to the Caribbean next week for the Puerto Rico Clasico.

 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Marion, Ind. | Luckey Arena
• Record: IWU: 8-2 | IUE 3-6
• NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #9 | IUE - Unranked

WHAT HAPPENED

• With a close start from both teams in the first half, the Wildcats shot 7-12 with 11 free throws over the final ten minutes to go into halftime up 49-37.
• IU East cut the margin to 9 midway through the second half, but IWU held off any late rally.
• The Wildcats were able to keep their lead secure in the second half to win by 15 with a final score of 98-83.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 20: IWU's 20 made free throws set a new season-high.
• 11: Caedmon Bontrager grabbed a new season-high 11 rebounds. 
• 4: This marks the fourth-straight opponent that the Wildcat's have forced into double-digit turnovers.

KEY WILDCATS

• Griffin Kliewer: 20 points, 9-14 FG, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
• Caedmon Bontrager: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Javan Buchanan: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks

TONAGEL PERSPECTIVE

• "Caedmon Bontreger stepped up big time today," said Head Coach Greg Tonagel. "His effort on the glass and the defensive end was spectacular."

NEXT TIME OUT

• IWU will play Caribbean University on Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET in the Puerto Rico Clasico.
• Links for video are available at IWUWildcats.com.

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