Appel's Double-Double Deals Wisconsin Lutheran Road Finale Win

MADISON, Wis. (WLCSports.com) - Wisconsin Lutheran College built a double-digit first-half cushion and withstood a late push to secure a 79-72 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference victory over Edgewood on Wednesday at Todd Wehr Edgedome.

After the Eagles briefly led 3-2 in the opening minute, the Warriors (7-17, 5-12 NACC) answered with an 11-3 run capped by a three from freshman Isaiah Mellock (Greendale, Wis.) to lead by seven less than five minutes in. WLC later stretched the margin to double-digits with another 11-3 surge midway through the half and pushed the lead to as many as 14 before carrying a 42-32 advantage into the break. Wisconsin Lutheran shot 40.0 percent from the field in the opening half and was led by freshman Bryce Appel's (Edgerton, Wis.) 15 points.

EC trimmed its deficit to single digits with a 10-4 run to start the second half, but a quick 6-0 spurt from the Warriors increased their lead to 12 with under 14 minutes remaining. Edgewood cut its deficit to single digits for the final 12:23 of the game, and pulled within three on multiple occasions with under three minutes remaining. WLC held the Eagles scoreless over the final two minutes, and a late 6-2 response in the final minutes helped Wisconsin Lutheran close out the seven-point win.

Appel recorded his second double-double of the season, leading the Warriors with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Mellock added 17 points, while senior Austin Wagner (Jackson, Wis.) chipped in 10 points. Mellock dished out a team-high three assists. WLC shot 41.8 percent (23-for-55) for the game and converted 26 of its 35 free throw attempts.

EC (4-19, 4-13 NACC) shot 47.5 percent (29-of-61) from the field and 36.7 percent (11-for-30) from three-point range. Hunter Hardyman led Edgewood with 15 points, Trent Tousana scored 10, and Zane Willadsen grabbed seven rebounds.

Wisconsin Lutheran closes the regular season on Saturday, February 21, hosting Benedictine (9-15, 8-9 NACC) for Senior Day at 3:15 p.m. at Time of Grace Center. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.