Fernandes scores 21 in loss to Beavers

CARLINVILLE, Ill. - Iowa Wesleyan took on Blackburn College in Saturday's afternoon's men's basketball action. Jarryd Fernandes scored a team high 21 points but the Tigers were unable to come away with a win, falling 73-82 to the Beavers.

Blackburn came out and scored on their first possession of the game, but the Tigers were able to take their first lead after a pair of free throws by Jake Neubauer with 17:10 on the clock. Fernandes pushed the IW lead to five points after converting a three point play. Iowa Wesleyan was unable to hold off the offensive attack by the Blackburn, and the Beavers went on a 12-0 run to take a seven-point lead.

Kaleb Cresswell hit a three pointer for the Tigers to stop the run, but Blackburn followed with another three-pointer to bring the score to 19-26. Iowa Wesleyan fell behind by as many as 16 points as the half continued. Alex Dentlinger and Jake Neubauer each scored layups to cut the deficit to 12 at the end of the half.

The Tigers had some ground to make up as the second half started. hey trailed by fifteen with just under 17 minutes on the clock. Alberto Torres answered with a three-pointer, and after a layup by Fernandes and a three by Neubauer, IW was back within 10 points. Fernandes made a layup with 13:05 left to play to cut the lead to eight points. Blackburn built their lead back up to double digits, leading by as many as 15 points.

Brian Patterson came up with a steal and scored on a fast break to bring the score to 72-62 with just over four minutes remaining. Fernandes split on a pair of one and one free throws to get the lead back to single digits. Blackburn built a 14 point lead, but Neubauer was able to spark the Tiger offense. He hit two three pointers which brought the score to 70-80. Austin Banks had the final basket for the Tigers, but it was not enough as they suffered an 73-82 loss to the Beavers.

Fernandes scored a team high 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Neubauer added 19 points with the help of four three-pointers. Austin Rebel (was the final Tiger to score in the double figures with 10 points, while Banks dished out a team-high eight assists.