IW men win first conference game

Elsah, Ill. -- The Iowa Wesleyan men's basketball team traveled to Principia College on Saturday to play their final game before Christmas break. The Tigers were able to overcome a first half deficit and went on to defeat the Panthers by a score of 85-82.

The threes were falling for the Tigers in the first half of today's game. After trailing Principia by four, Jake Neubauer hit a three pointer to bring IW back within one. Neubauer's three was the first of three back to back baskets from behind the arc. Camron Mack and Alberto Torres each hit threes to bring the score to 13-8 with 14:34 remaining in the first half.

Iowa Wesleyan's next four field goals came from behind the three point line, pushing the Tigers ahead by seven points. IW continued to maintain their lead as the half continued, but the Panthers were never far behind. Principia went back in front for the first time since the 15:52 mark with a jumper with 3:22 remaining in the first half. They built a six point lead with the help of an 11-0 run. Jarryd Fernandes ended the IW scoring drought with a layup with just under two minutes on the clock. At the end of the first half, Iowa Wesleyan trailed by four points.

Kaleb Cresswell opened the second half with a jumper to start the scoring, but Principia remained in front for the first four minutes of action. Jarryd Fernandes and Jake Neubauer were responsible for a 10-0 run that gave Iowa Wesleyan a six point lead with 13:53 remaining in the game. Principia didn't let up, however, and with just over ten minutes to play, the game was tied at 58-58.

The score would be tied up on four more occasions, with Austin Rebel making a jumper on the final tie to bring the score to 70-70 with just under four minutes remaining. Rebel finished out a three point play with a free throw to give IW a one point lead, but Principia would answer with a layup to go in front. Jake Neubauer came down and drained a three pointer to give Iowa Wesleyan the lead. The Tigers would not trail the rest of the game and secured the 85-82 win.

Neubauer sank six three pointers and finished with a team high 23 points. Cresswell added four three pointers and ended the game with 16 points in the win. Austin Rebel recorded another double-double for the Tigers, finishing with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The final player to score in double digits was Camron Mack. He recorded 11 points with the help of three three pointers in the game.

Iowa Wesleyan will return to action after Christmas. They will host the University of Dubuque on Saturday, December 29 at 5 p.m. The Tigers improve to 3-7 overall and 1-3 in SLIAC play.