GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball overcame a halftime deficit to secure a 78-74 victory over Cornerstone on Friday in the first game of the CRL/WHAC Challenge. The Wildcats' defense made a decisive impact with nine steals, contributing to the win. Caedmon Bontrager recorded his second-consecutive double-double with a career-high 15 rebounds.


THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Grand Rapids, Mich. | Mol Arena
• Records: IWU: 2-0  | CU 0-1
• NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - #6 | CU - NR

• IWU initially established control with Crew Gibson's layup and Isaac Andrews' three-pointer, opening a 14-7 lead midway through the half.
• The Wildcats built their largest lead of 10 points with a Marcus Ankney three-pointer, making it 21-11 with 8:30 remaining.
• The Eagles responded effectively, narrowing the gap to 23-21 with key baskets, including a three-pointer from Myles Steffen.
• The red and grey maintained a narrow edge until the final minute when Kayden Bird's three-pointer with 0:52 left in the half gave CU a slight advantage.
• The home team carried a 39-37 lead into halftime after Bird's late jumper.

• Cornerstone took an early lead in the second half with a 5-point margin at 18:16, fueled by a 3-pointer from Kayden Bird.
• Indiana Wesleyan responded decisively with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a Marcus Ankney layup and a Millen McCartney three-pointer at 13:11, to establish their largest lead of 6 points.
• As the half progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with the Eagles closing the gap to tie the game at 61 following a Blake Stewart three-point play at 6:28.
• IWU pulled ahead in the final minutes, converting key free throws by Bontrager and Moore to secure a 41-35 edge for the half, leading to a final score of 78-76.

• Caedmon Bontrager: 15 points, career-high 15 rebounds, 7-10 FT
• Crew Gibson: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
• DJ Moore: 11 points, 9-12 FT, 2 steals
• Jake Smith: 11 points, 5-9 FG, 4 rebounds

• The Wildcats will play their second game of the CL/WHAC Challenge tomorrow against No. 21 Indiana Tech at 1:00PM.
• Links for video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com

• Indiana Wesleyan returns to Luckey Arena on November 5th against Florida Memorial at 3:00PM.
• Links for tickets, video, and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com

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