The Illinois Wesleyan University men’s basketball team will face Endicott College in the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen on Friday, March 13, at the Shirk Center in Bloomington. The Titans, ranked eighth nationally, enter the third round with a 25-4 record after defeating Heidelberg University and John Carroll University.
This game is significant as it marks Illinois Wesleyan’s first-ever meeting with Endicott and offers both teams a chance to advance to the national quarterfinals. The Titans have a strong postseason history, having made their 36th all-time postseason appearance and their 28th in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Of all schools in this year’s field, no program has won more NCAA Tournament games than Illinois Wesleyan.
Illinois Wesleyan has relied on its defense throughout the season, holding opponents to an average field goal percentage of just 38.3 percent—fifth-best nationally—and limiting both Heidelberg and John Carroll to under 60 points each during tournament play. Junior Casen Lawrence has contributed significantly on offense with 85 three-pointers this season, ranking him among the top shooters in program history. Mason Funk leads defensively with a league-high 71 blocks and notable steals.
The Titans have played home games at the Shirk Center on campus in Bloomington, Illinois according to the official website. The team competes as part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin according to the official website and uses green and white as its colors while participating under the Titans nickname according to the official website. The program participates in intercollegiate athletics according to the official website.
Illinois Wesleyan previously captured NCAA Division III national championships in 1997 and 2001 according to the official website. As they prepare for Friday’s contest against Endicott—who arrive with a 22-game win streak—the Titans look to add another chapter to their storied postseason legacy.
