ALBION, Mich. (WLCSports.com) – Wisconsin Lutheran College dropped its first game of the Mike Turner College Classic on Friday, falling 97-42 to No. 16 Illinois Wesleyan at Kresge Gymnasium. The Titans shot an even 50 percent from the floor while the Warriors struggled to overcome a 22.4 percent shooting night.
IWU built a 44-25 halftime lead behind 50 percent shooting (18-for-36). WLC stayed within reach early, trailing just 19-15 following a layup from sophomore
Pierce Arenz (Kiel, Wis.) at the 11:31 mark of the first half, but Illinois Wesleyan used an 8-0 run and another burst late to extend its advantage. Wisconsin Lutheran shot 28.6 percent (10-for-35) in the opening half.
The Titans continued to separate after the break, opening the second half on a 20-3 surge and maintaining their pace with another 50 percent shooting performance (18-for-36). The Warriors were held to 15.6 percent (5-for-32) shooting in the second half.
WLC (0-4) shot 22.4 percent (15-for-67) from the field for the game. Sophomore
Lucas Anamndu (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) and freshman
Isaiah Mellock (Greendale, Wis.) led Wisconsin Lutheran in scoring with eight points each, while Mellock also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.
Illinois Wesleyan (4-0), which finished 50 percent (36-for-72) from the floor and 43.8 percent from deep, was paced by Casen Lawrence's 15 points, while Karlo Colak added 12. Noah Cleveland and Mason Funk tied for a game-high seven rebounds.
The Warriors return to action on Saturday at 12 p.m. CT, facing host Albion (4-1) in the consolation game of the Mike Turner College Classic. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.
Â
