McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team is set to face Augustana College in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament semifinals on Friday, February 28. The game will take place at Tarble Arena on the Carthage College campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Illinois Wesleyan, ranked 16th nationally, holds a 20-5 record and enters as the second seed. They recently lost their regular season finale to Augustana, who advanced to the semifinals with a victory over Elmhurst University.

Carthage College will play against North Central College in the other semifinal matchup. Carthage boasts a 20-5 record and secured their spot with a win over Millikin University. North Central defeated North Park University to reach this stage.

Radio coverage will be provided by Eric Stock and Joel Swanson on WESN, while live streaming and stats will be available through Carthage athletics.

Illinois Wesleyan has participated in 16 CCIW Tournaments since its inception in 2006, achieving a record of 12-15 in tournament games. The Titans have previously won eight titles as the No. 2 seed, including recent victories by North Park and Elmhurst.

Historically, Augustana has held an advantage over Illinois Wesleyan in CCIW Tournament matchups with five wins out of seven encounters. Their rivalry dates back to the inaugural conference tournament where IWU defeated Augustana to advance to the title game.

The Titans enjoy strong community support with high attendance at home games and have been known for drawing large crowds at away games as well. Notably, sophomore Jackson Niego contributed significantly in their last encounter against Augustana with impressive three-point shooting.

Illinois Wesleyan leads the all-time series against Augustana but has faced challenges from them recently. Both teams split their regular season meetings this year.

Athletic Director Mike Wagner's connection to both schools adds an interesting subplot; he played football for Augustana before his current role at IWU.

Rachel Dawson serves as an athletic trainer for IWU after her previous tenure at Augustana, adding another layer of connection between these institutions.

Senior Hakim Williams stands out for his assists contributions this season, becoming one of only thirteen players in program history to achieve double-digit assists during a game.

The Titans' aggressive play style results in frequent trips to the free throw line where they rank highly nationally for attempts and conversions despite room for improvement in accuracy percentage-wise compared across Division III teams overall rankings too are noteworthy defensively holding opponents below average scoring marks per game leading successful outcomes more often than not when limiting scores under certain thresholds especially notable under Coach Ron Rose’s leadership spanning eighteen seasons accumulating numerous achievements along way including multiple championships shared titles amidst challenging pandemic conditions impacting sports landscape significantly altering formats schedules competitions alike yet persevering ultimately reaching pinnacle once again recent past seasons securing coveted honors hard-earned deservedly so among top contenders vying prestigious accolades recognition throughout collegiate athletics sphere today tomorrow beyond horizon looming ever closer beckoning eagerly anticipated rematch awaits fans followers alike eager witness unfolding drama court-side firsthand experience unforgettable moments shared collective memories cherished long into future ahead together united common cause pursuit excellence embodied spirit teamwork camaraderie exemplified embodiment ideals principles guiding ethos unwavering commitment dedication perseverance hallmark enduring legacy proudly upheld generations past present future alike steadfast resolve determination unyielding unwavering resolve triumph adversity overcoming obstacles surmounting challenges achieving greatness realized potential fulfilled dreams aspirations brought fruition culmination effort sacrifice relentless pursuit goals objectives set forth vision mission embraced wholeheartedly enthusiastically passionately pursuing ultimate prize sought after desired above all else victory success accomplishment fulfillment purpose meaning found therein journey undertaken embarked upon embarked upon embarked upon embarked upon embarking embarking embarking embark embark embark embark