McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team is set to face North Park University in Chicago on February 14. The Titans, who recently secured their 33rd College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Regular Season Championship, hold a record of 16-7 overall and 12-2 in conference play. Their recent victory against Carthage College solidified their position as the No. 1 seed for the upcoming CCIW Tournament.

North Park University, currently experiencing a three-game losing streak, enters the game with a 10-13 record and a 5-9 mark in CCIW play. They are one of five teams competing for the final three seeds in the conference tournament. A win against Illinois Wesleyan would significantly boost their chances of securing a spot.

Illinois Wesleyan's success has been attributed to key performances from players like Marko Anderson and Nick Roper. Anderson, known for his rebounding prowess, leads the team with an average of 6.4 rebounds per game. Roper, recently named CCIW Player of the Week, has been instrumental in scoring, averaging 21.5 points per game over two crucial wins.

Historically, Illinois Wesleyan holds a strong advantage over North Park with a series record of 92-36 since the 1961-62 season. However, North Park won both matchups last season before Illinois Wesleyan claimed victory in their most recent encounter.

Defensively, Illinois Wesleyan ranks among the top teams nationally in Division III, allowing opponents only a field goal percentage of 38.7%. Their ability to maintain possession has also been critical; they have a record of 13-1 when committing fewer than 15 turnovers.

Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan will conclude its regular season with a Senior Day game against North Central College on February 17.