MARION, Ind. – No. 10 Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball began 2026 with a 77-71 win over Spring Arbor as they restarted Crossroads League play on Saturday in Luckey Arena. The Wildcats built a 14-point lead early in the second half, but the Cougars clawed their way back for a narrow lead with 5:00 left. The game remained close down the final stretch and a clutch fade away jumper by Caedmon Bontrager iced the game in favor of the Wildcats 75-71. Two clutch free throws by Julius Gizzi gave IWU the victory with a final score of 77-71.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Marion, Ind. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Records: IWU 13-2, 3-2 CRL | SAU 8-7, 1-4 CRL
- NAIA Top 25 Rankings: IWU – #10 | SAU – Unranked
FIRST HALF
- IWU established control early, highlighted by Caedmon Bontrager layup midway through the half to make it 15-11.
- The red and grey dominated the paint with 30 points, including a pivotal fast-break layup by Julius Gizzi with 8:14 remaining to make it 21-15.
- The Wildcats' consistent presence in the paint was key, taking a 11-point lead into the halftime locker room.
SECOND HALF
- DJ Moore took over early with 11 of the red and gray's first 14 points of the second half to make it 53-39.
- - The Cougars responded with a 9-0 run to reduce the lead to 53-48 with 10:00 minutes left.
- SAU took the lead, 62-59, with 5:22 remaining after putting together a 12-0 run.
- IWU fought back for a two-point lead with just 40 seconds remaining.
- A clutch fade away jumper by Caedmon Bontrager iced the game in favor of the Wildcats.
KEY WILDCATS
LOOKING AHEAD
- Indiana Wesleyan will travel to Mount Vernon Nazarene on Wednesday with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.
- Links for live video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.
NEXT HOME GAME
- The Wildcats return to Luckey Arena next Saturday against No. 1 Grace at 3:00 PM..
- Links for tickets, video, and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.
- IWU is excited to celebrate our alumni for Red & Gray Day. More information can be found by clicking HERE
FOLLOW THE WILDCATS
#
