IW men drop two back-to-back

BELLEVUE, Neb — Iowa Wesleyan took part in the Hampton Inn Bruin Classic last week with hopes of heading into 2022 with a pair of wins, but the Tigers never found their win, losing to Bellevue University, 71-58, and Mayville State University, 73-67.

In their first game against Bellevue on Dec. 29 the Tigers started on the right track, holding the lead for the majority of the first half.

Although they controlled for most of the half, the Tigers lead was short-lived, heading into halftime trailing 29-28.

Coming out of the locker room, Iowa Wesleyan never found an answer, despite making a late run in the half, allowing Bellevue to extend its lead beyond its reach.

Carver Locke performed well off the bench for Iowa Wesleyan, scoring a team high 17 points along with seven rebounds.

Francis Okwuosah tallied a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Marvin Bateman finished with 11 points, hitting three of his four shots from deep.

Iowa Wesleyan shot 36% from the field and 29% from three in the game.

In their second game of the Bruin Classic against Mayville State on Dec. 30, the Tigers kept the game close for much of the first half, but the Comets were able build a 10 point lead at the end of the half, 37-27.

In the second half, Mayville extended its lead early, but Iowa Wesleyan battled back, cutting the lead down to just three points with a little over three minutes to play.

Despite the comeback, the Comets were able to hold on handing the Tigers loss number 11 on the season.

Iowa Wesleyan outscored Mayville in the second 40-36.

The Tigers were paced with a balance attack in the matchup.

Alex Dentlinger scored 14 points for the Tigers, Francis Okwuosah finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, Marvin Bateman added 11 points, Kaleb Cresswell had 10 points, and Dylan Hurley filled the state sheet with seven points, six assists and 10 rebounds.

Iowa Wesleyan shot 37% from the field and 33% from three against Mayville State.

The Tigers are now 5-11 after the road trip. Iowa Wesleyan will return to action on Jan. 4, taking on Lincoln Christian University at home.

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com