The Illinois Wesleyan University women's basketball team will welcome Capital University to Dennie Bridges Court at the Shirk Center Saturday, Nov. 19, for a non-conference clash. The game, which is set for a 1 p.m. tipoff, is IWU's lone non-conference home game of the season.
Illinois Wesleyan (1-2) enters its home opener looking to get back on track following back-to-back loses to nationally ranked squads. Most recently, IWU saw an early lead slip away at fourth-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Nov. 16, where the Green and White fell, 70-61. Meanwhile, the Comets (2-0) are off to an unblemished start with a pair of home victories. Sitting at 2-0 on the year, Capital most recently defeated Denison University, 71-53.
Fans can follow via live stats and a live stream. Links can be found on the women's basketball schedule page at iwusports.com.
IT'S BEEN A WHILE: Saturday's showdown against Capital will mark Illinois Wesleyan's first home game in 280 days. The Titans closed out last season with a three-game road trip before traveling for the CCIW and NCAA tournaments. IWU then began the 2022-23 season with a three-game road stint.
CLASHES WITH THE COMETS: Illinois Wesleyan and Capital have limited history leading into Saturday's clash. In fact, the two squads have met just one time previously - just last season in Ohio. The Titans earned their first win of the 2021-22 campaign with a 75-67 triumph at Capital, Nov. 13, 2021.
Four Titans scored in double figures as the Green and White overcame a double-digit deficit to earn the win. Brooke Lansford led IWU with 19 points, while Mallory Powers added 13 points off the bench. Catie Eck finished with 12 points and Lauren Huber added 10.
HELLER HIGH: Senior co-captain Katelyn Heller broke out for a career-game in IWU's battle with fourth-ranked UW-Whitewater. The Glen Ellyn, Ill. native dropped a career-high 20 points, which also tied for the game-high, on 9-of-15 shooting. She also added six boards, four assists, a block, and a steal.
HOME COOKING: One of the greatest venues in NCAA Division III, the Shirk Center has been home to more than 600 Titan basketball games between both the men and women. In its 27-year history, the women have won 244 of 323 of its home games, good for a .755 win percentage.
THE 52nd YEAR OF IWU WOMEN'S HOOPS: Illinois Wesleyan, now in its 52nd year of women's basketball, has compiled a 692-491 overall record. IWU's .585 all-time win percentage includes a 325-195 CCIW mark.
THE DEAN OF THE CCIW: The 2022-23 season marks the 25th year under the direction of Mia Smith, the longest tenured coach in the CCIW. Smith's 459 wins are the most among active CCIW coaches by more than 150. Additionally, Smith's CCIW wins are the second-most in league history.
Under the tutelage of Smith, IWU has won 10 CCIW Championships and made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Titans won the 2012 NCAA Division III Championship following a fourth-place finish in 2011.
HOME GROWN: With the loss of Leawood, Kan. native Brooke Lansford to graduation, the Titans boast a fully-Illinois bred roster for the first time since 2017-18. This is just the third time since 2012-13 IWU has had a roster without any out-of-state players.
ON THE HORIZON: Illinois Wesleyan will make the short trip to Eureka College Tuesday, Nov. 22, for a tilt with the Red Devils. The game is set for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
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