Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - Freshman David Molinari had team-highs of 16 points and five assists as Illinois Wesleyan downed Illinois College, 79-73, to win the title of the Bill Merris Tournament at Illinois College on Saturday (Nov. 19).

The Titans improved to 3-0 with the win while Illinois College is now 1-1.

Illinois Wesleyan had three players on the all-tournament team - seniors John Koschnitzky and Eliud Gonzalez and sophomore Victor Davis. Illinois College's Zeke Light, Craig Bals and Brandon Berry, who was the tournament "MVP" were joined by Jason Spindler of Manchester and Brady Slagle of MacMurray on the all-tourney team.

In addition to Molinari, Davis had 15 points, Koschnitzky scored 13 and senior Jordan Zimmer added 12 in the win.

Illinois Wesleyan, who held a 31-27 halftime advantage, outrebounded the Blueboys, 34-28, as Gonzalez had a team-best six rebounds to go with four assists.

IWU opened up an eight-point lead at 40-32 with 17:27 to play in the game and held onto the lead throughout the final period as Illinois College closed to within two at 61-59 with 5:48 to go but could get no closer.

The Titans shot .474 from the field (27 of 57) and made seven of 21 3-pointers (.333). Illinois Wesleyan knocked down 18 of 23 free throws in the game (.783).

Illinois College was led by the 25-point effort of Berry while Light scored 21. The Blueboys shot .447 from the field (21 of 47), made nine of 20 3-pointers (.450) and hit on 22 of 26 of their free throw attempts (.846).

Illinois Wesleyan looks to extend their season-opening win streak with a 7:30 p.m. game against Monmouth at the Shirk Center on Tuesday (Nov. 22).