Men’s Hoops Falters at Elmhurst

Funk & Cleveland lead IWU

12/13/2025 6:46:00 PM

Box Score

ELMHURST, Ill. - The No. 18 Illinois Wesleyan University men's basketball team came up short at Elmhurst University Saturday, Dec. 13, at R.A. Faganel Hall. The Titans (6-3, 1-2 CCIW) dropped the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin battle to the Bluejays (6-2, 1-1 CCIW), 67-66.

Sophomore Noah Cleveland (Normal, Ill.-Normal Community) put up 24 points and eight boards, while junior Mason Funk (Normal, Ill.-University High) added a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Junior Casen Lawrence (St. Louis, Mo.-Westminster Christian) also finished in double digits, scoring 12 behind four three-pointers.

Illinois Wesleyan knocked down 37.7 percent of its shots (23-of-61) with an 11-for-40 showing from beyond the arc. The Titans struggled at the free throw line, going 9-of-17.

Elmhurst attempted far fewer shots, but converted at a 49.0 percent clip (24-for-49). The Bluejays went 8-of-22 from distance and 11-for-15 from the free throw line.

The Green and White led by six, 60-54, with 5:35 to play, but could not hold onto the lead. The Titans scored two points, both from the free throw line, over the final 2:22. Funk converted two freebies with 54 seconds left to drive IWU ahead 66-64.

Elmhurst answered with a three-pointer out of a timeout to charge ahead, 67-66. A missed three forced the Titans to foul and saw Funk whistled for his fifth of the evening before Illinois Wesleyan's last ditch effort resulted in a turnover.

The Titans will make the trek to St. Louis, Mo. for the start of three straight non-conference games. IWU takes on No. 4 WashU Thursday, Dec. 18 for 2 p.m. tipoff.

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