BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Looking to get back on track, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team welcomes Carthage to the Shirk Center Saturday night, Feb. 5, for a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin clash. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
    Illinois Wesleyan enters the game with a 15-4 overall record, including a league-leading 8-2 CCIW mark. The 10th-ranked Titans are looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, most recently of which was an 81-75 overtime defeat at the hands of Concordia University Chicago, Jan. 29. Like the Green and White, Carthage has dropped its past two contest. The Firebirds were edged by Millikin University in overtime, 75-72, Jan. 29, and then fell at 21st-ranked Elmhurst University, 88-74, Jan. 31.
    Fans can tune into the game via live stats or live stream. Links on how to follow along can be found on the men's basketball schedule page of IWUsports.com.

A NEW DAY: Illinois Wesleyan owns a 66-37 record in the month of February under the direction of head coach Ron Rose.

OFF DAYS?: Returning to the court for their first game in a week, the Titans have enjoyed something they have not had many of since the start of the new year - off days. IWU's six days between games are on less than the combined seven days off it had over a six-game stretch from Jan. 17-29.

CLASHES WITH CARTHAGE: Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage share a rivalry that dates back to the 1946-47 season. IWU owns a 106-27 lead in the 133-game history between the two conference foes, and has won the past seven meetings.
Illinois Wesleyan came out on top in the first meeting of the season between the two, Jan. 24, in Kenosha. All five starters scored in double figures for the Titans as the Green and White came away victorious, 89-72.

I FEEL THE NEED… THE NEED FOR THREES: Illinois Wesleyan's four losses this season have one thing in common: a below average three-point shooting performance. IWU, a historically successful three-point shooting team, has been off from deep in its four losses. In their four setbacks, the Titans have shot a combined 27.4 percent (20-of-73) from deep. Conversely, the Titans have shot a combined 36.2 percent (115-of-318) from downtown in their 15 wins.

HOME COOKING: One of the greatest athletic venues in NCAA Division III, the Shirk Center has been home to more than 600 Titan basketball games between both the men and women. The men hold a 287-57 record on their home floor, good for a .834 win percentage.

KRYPTONITE?: The Titans' four losses have another commonality besides below average shooting from three point land: free throw attempts. In its four losses, opponents are averaging seven more free throw attempts than the Green and White. Furthermore, in each of those losses, opponents are also averaging 6.3 more points from the free throw line than the Titans.
    In IWU's most recent loss, Concordia Chicago attempted 14 free throws, converting on 11, compared to the Titan's nine attempts and eight makes. Illinois Wesleyan is 10-0 this season when attempting more free throws than its opponent, compared to 5-4 when the opposition attempts more FTs.

RANKINGS ON REPEAT: Illinois Wesleyan is one of 20 programs that have appeared in at least 100 D3Hoops.com Top-25 rankings. In fact, the Titans 180 appearances in the weekly poll are ninth-most all-time. The Titans are currently ranked No. 10 in the poll.

THAT STARTING FIVE THOUGH: Illinois Wesleyan saw all five starters hit double-digit points in its win at Tarble Arena Monday night, Jan. 24. Matthew Leritz led all players with 28 points, while Cory Noe added 15 points. Cody Mitchell tallied 12, Luke Yoder 11, and Peter Lambesis 10 in the victory.
    It was the second time this season each member of IWU's starting lineup has scored 10-or-more points, with the other occurrence coming at Yeshiva, Dec. 30.

FACING THE BEST OF THE BEST: The No. 10 Titans have played one of the more difficult schedules in all of Division III this season. IWU has faced five current top-25 opponents, including the current No. 5 and No. 6 teams in the country, UW-Oshkosh and Yeshiva, respectively. The Titans are 3-3 against top-25 opponents this year, including wins against the current No. 5, No. 6, and No. 21 teams in the country. IWU's schedule is the 22nd-toughest according to NCAA stats.

ON THE HORIZON: Illinois Wesleyan has a quick turnaround as the Titans host North Park University Monday night, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.