Tigers fall short at Spalding

SPALDING, Ky. - The Iowa Wesleyan men's basketball team took on Spalding University in a SLIAC matchup Saturday afternoon. After leading at halftime, the Tigers were unable to hang on to the lead and were edged out by the Golden Eagles in a 68-65 loss.

IW had the advantage in rebounds and free throw percentage, but they were out shot by the Golden Eagles. The Tigers shot 37.3 percent from the field and 20 percent from behind the arc while Spalding shot nearly 45 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three point line. The teams traded leads throughout the game, with Iowa Wesleyan leading seven times and Spalding holding the lead eight times.

Jake Neubauer opened the scoring up for Iowa Wesleyan with a three pointer to start the game. Austin Rebel scored the next six points for IW, giving the Tigers a 9-6 advantage with 16 minutes remaining. Spalding held a two point lead at the 13:46 minute mark, but the Tiger offense went on a run and built an eight point advantage with the help of a three pointer by Alberto Torres to start things off.

The Tigers were able to hold off multiple runs by the Golden Eagles as the half continued. Despite the efforts by Spalding to chip away at the lead, Iowa Wesleyan maintained the lead at the end of the first half. IW held a 35-34 lead at the break.

Iowa Wesleyan kicked off the second half with a three pointer by Avree Clark and a layup by Austin Rebel to take a six point lead. Spalding cut the Tiger lead to one point on two occasions before taking a two point lead over IW with 13:55 remaining in the game. A pair of free throws by Joshua Cole tied the game up and Iowa Wesleyan regained a four point lead with layups by Kresswell and Torres.

The Tigers held four point leads at two different points, one with 8:01 to go and the other with 7:03 remaining. With 4:39 left to play, the game was tied at 57-57, but Spalding went ahead after a free throw. They took a five point lead, but Iowa Wesleyan went back in front after a free throw and layup by Rebel with 1:13 on the clock. The Golden Eagles took the lead with 22 seconds left and they would hold on for the three point win over the Tigers.

Rebel led the way with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Jake Neubauer added 10 points in the loss. Kresswell recorded seven points off the bench for Iowa Wesleyan.