Iowa Wesleyan men get back on track

MT. PLEASANT — The Iowa Wesleyan men’s basketball team ended a four game slide on Tuesday with a win over the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions, 79-72.

It’s the Tigers first win since Dec. 11, a 80-71 victory over Bellevue University.

For the first nine minutes of the game, the Tigers couldn’t find an edge on the Red Lions. Both teams exchanged the lead back and forth, until Iowa Wesleyan started to click.

With around five and a half minutes to go in the first half the Tigers found themselves ahead with a 13 point lead, following a 16-2 run.

By the end of the half, the Tigers were sitting on a 14 point lead, 49-35.

The double-digit lead didn’t last. Lincoln Christian battled back in second half, bringing the lead to under 10 points once again.

Despite being outscored 37-30 in the second, the Tigers were able to hold onto the lead and add a notch to the win column.

Dylan Hurley led the Tigers with 15 points. Alex Dentlinger followed with 13 points. Marvin Bateman finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Kaleb Cresswell also tallied 11 points along with a team-high eight assists and five rebounds. Carver Locke chipped in 10.

The Tigers shot 46% from the field and 31% from three in the contest. Iowa Wesleyan also won the bench battle, outscoring the Red Lions 27-11.

Iowa Wesleyan will be back in action on Jan. 7, taking part in the Crowley Ridge Classic. The Tigers will play Northern New Mexico College at 6 p.m.

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com