Box Score Box Score

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan Titans suffered their first loss of the season, falling 58-53 to Washington U. in the NCAA Division III sectional final before a crowd of more than 2100 at the Shirk Center on Saturday, March 14.

The Titans, whose season ended with a 30-1 record, trailed by a 31-20 margin at halftime and managed to shoot only 28 percent (7 of 27). IWU rallied to climb back within one point at 38-37 with 10:33 to play and could get no closer.

The Titans had a chance to close within one, trailing 53-51 with 49 seconds left after a Claire Sheehan basket. But Sheehan missed a free throw try and Washington U. made five of six free throws down the stretch to hold onto the win.

The Bears (25-4) will face Amherst in a semifinal game at Hope College on Friday, March 20.

The Titans, who had their season lows for points, field goal shooting (30 percent, 15 of 50) and assists (six), were led by the 18 points of senior Mallory Heydorn while junior Christina Solari had 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds and Sheehan added 11.

The Bears outrebounded IWU, 40-30 with 13 boards and 13 points from Janice Evans. Jill Brandt had 13 points and Zoe Unruh added 12.