McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team began its season with an exhibition game against DePaul University on Sunday, October 27. The Titans faced off against the Division I Blue Demons and concluded the match with a score of 76-60 in favor of DePaul.

Illinois Wesleyan made 25 out of 63 shots from the floor, achieving a shooting percentage of 40%. In contrast, DePaul managed to finish with 28 out of 72 field goals. Despite being at a size disadvantage, the Titans managed to secure a 6-2 lead in blocked shots. Senior Hakim Williams contributed significantly with two blocks, three assists, and three rebounds. He was one of three players from Illinois Wesleyan who scored in double figures.

Senior Nick Roper led the scoring for Illinois Wesleyan with 13 points. Sophomore Mason Funk and senior Hakim Williams added to the scoreboard with 12 and 10 points respectively. Senior Marko Anderson scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds, while senior Harrison Wilmsen had five rebounds. Sophomore Jackson Niego recorded five points along with five assists.

Roper won the jump ball for Illinois Wesleyan, but both teams missed their initial possessions. The first points were scored by Williams after an assist from Niego at the beginning of the game. Later in the first half, Williams assisted Funk for a three-pointer that tied the game at seven.

The Titans continued to compete as freshman Josh Fridman assisted Anderson for a jumper that kept them within eight points at halftime. In the second half, Niego forced a turnover leading to Roper's successful jumper which reduced DePaul's lead to single digits.

Despite efforts including contributions from junior Nathan Boldt and freshman Alex Miller towards the end of the game, Illinois Wesleyan ended up losing by sixteen points.

The team is set to travel to Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 30th for another preseason game against Butler University scheduled for tipoff at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 7:30 p.m ET.