MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In an anticipated high-scoring, fast-paced game, the Illinois Wesleyan men's basketball team had a higher octane level than the hosts to propel it to a 123-104 win over Rhodes College at the Rhodes Thanksgiving Classic in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 26.
The Titans are 5-0 this season while Rhodes, who entered the game averaging 128 points and was the second-highest scoring team in Division III, slipped to 3-2.
A host of entries will be made in the school's record book - Illinois Wesleyan attempted a school-record 77 field goals and made 40, a total tied for sixth most in a single game. The old mark for field goal tries of 76 was set 11 days ago against Fontbonne and also against Hope on March 3, 2012.
The Titans' 35 free throws is tied for third most in a game and the 45 attempts is fourth most and the 123 points is fourth most in a single game.
Go here to see Illinois Wesleyan game records.
The Titans, who led at halftime 67-50, reached the 100-point mark with 9:05 to play in the game and handed out 25 assists on the 40 made buckets. IWU's largest lead of 21 points (113-92) came with 5:13 to play in the contest.
Five IWU players scored in double figures, led by
Brady Rose with 24 points. Junior
Colin Bonnett added 22 points to match his previous career best while senior
Jaylen Beasley contributing 17 to equal a career-high and sophomore
Alex O'Neill scoring 12 points, also tying his career high. Junior
Danny Baker notched a double-double by scoring 12 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds (both career-highs) as IWU held a comfortable 50-35 advantage on the glass with 18 offensive boards.
The high-scoring Lynx placed four players in double digits, led by the 17 points by Anesu Nyawata. Each team had 17 turnovers and 10 steals.
What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will play next on Saturday, Dec. 2 in a 7 p.m. game against the Carthage Red Men to open College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play for 2017-18. Carthage is 3-1 ahead of a Tuesday nonconference game against Wisconsin-River Falls.
