McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team is set to host the fourth annual Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational this weekend, November 8-9, at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The two-day event will feature four nationally ranked teams: No. 2 University of Wisconsin-Platteville, No. 9 Calvin University, the 16th-ranked Titans, and No. 24 California Lutheran University.

The tournament begins on Friday night with Illinois Wesleyan facing Cal Lutheran at 5 p.m., followed by a matchup between UW-Platteville and Calvin at 7 p.m. The Titans enter the season as reigning College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Regular Season Champions, having posted a 19-8 overall record last year.

Cal Lutheran earned an NCAA Tournament berth last season with a 23-5 record, while Calvin reached the Elite Eight with a 25-5 mark. UW-Platteville finished their season with a 23-5 record, narrowly losing to national champion Trine University in overtime during the Elite Eight.

Fans can follow the games via audio broadcast with Eric Stock providing play-by-play commentary and Joel Swanson offering analysis. Information on how to tune in is available on IWUsports.com.

This weekend's event will also honor Illinois Wesleyan's women's golf team for winning the CCIW Championship earlier this fall. The Titans achieved their conference title with a record-breaking performance and saw six players earn All-CCIW honors.

The Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational has become an anticipated event since its inception in 2021, offering competitive Division III matchups early in the season. Former Titan standout Bob Spear sponsors this year's tournament for the first time.

Illinois Wesleyan senior Nick Roper was recently named to D3hoops.com's Preseason All-American Third Team and is expected to lead his team alongside returning All-CCIW players Harrison Wilmsen and Hakim Williams.

Head coach Ron Rose enters his 18th season at Illinois Wesleyan with a career record of 325-158. Under his leadership, the Titans have won multiple CCIW titles and consistently appeared in national rankings.

Following this weekend's tournament, Illinois Wesleyan will take a week off before traveling to face the University of Wisconsin-Stout on November 16.