McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University's men's basketball team was defeated by Elmhurst University in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament Championship on Saturday, February 24. The Titans, with a season record of 19-8, were unable to complete their comeback against the Bluejays, losing 68-64 at the Shirk Center.

Junior Marko Anderson led Illinois Wesleyan with 15 points, nine of which were scored in the second half. Harrison Wilmsen contributed 13 points, Hakim Williams added 11 points, and senior Luke Yoder finished with 10 points. Yoder also provided six assists while Williams led in rebounds with eight and recorded two blocks.

The Titans outperformed Elmhurst in points in the paint (40-28) and bench points (17-10). However, Elmhurst had a higher three-point shooting percentage at 36.8% compared to Illinois Wesleyan's 10.5%. In free throws, Elmhurst made 11 out of 15 attempts against Illinois Wesleyan's 12 out of 17.

Elmhurst gained an early lead with a 10-0 run in the first half. Despite efforts from Yoder and Trey Bazzell to narrow the gap, Illinois Wesleyan faced an eight-point deficit at halftime. The Bluejays extended their lead to 41-29 before Anderson's scoring reduced it to five points.

In the final minutes, despite two dunks from Nick Roper and a late three-point play by Williams bringing them within five points, Elmhurst secured victory through successful free throws.

Having won the CCIW Regular Season Championship outright, Illinois Wesleyan now awaits their postseason fate during Monday's NCAA Selection Show on ncaa.com.