
February 1, 2025
IWU Sinks No. 7 Pilots with Defensive Clinic
MARION, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball welcomed No. 7 Bethel to Luckey Arena on Saturday for a Crossroads League showdown. The Wildcats put on a defense clinic, holding a Pilot squad that ranked 4th in the NAIA averaging 84.4 points per game to their lowest of the season. IWU held their Top 10 opponent to the lowest field-goal percentage of any Wildcat foe this year to lock up a 94-60 win against the top ranked team in the Crossroads League.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Marion, Ind. | Luckey Arena
- Records: IWU: 15-7 (5-7 CRL) | BU: 17-5 (10-2 CRL)
- NAIA Ranking: IWU - RV | BU - #7
WHAT HAPPENED
- Bethel jumped out to a 14-9 lead through the first ten minutes. Indiana Wesleyan had troubles early offensively, shooting 4-10 from the field and 1-5 from three.
- The Wildcats took the lead with a 9-0 run before halftime and held a 38-30 advantage going to the break.
- The game was won at the start of the second half. IWU held BU to just four points through the first six minutes to extend their lead to 58-34.
- The defense continued to shine as the red and gray shutout the Pilots 14-0 over a three-minute stretch near the end of the game. Indiana Wesleyan's final points of the game gave them their largest lead at 94-60.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 60: IWU's defense held BU's to their lowest point total of the season at 60 points.
- 35%: Bethel's field-goal percentage was the lowest of any IWU opponent this year.
- 12: The Wildcat's 12 team fouls tied their lowest in a game this season.
- 7: Caedmon Bontrager swatted a season-high 7 blocks.
- 5: IWU have won their fifth-straight game at home.
KEY WILDCATS
- Caedmon Bontrager: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks, 4 assists, 2 steals
- Griffin Kliewer: 20 points, 6 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds
- Luke Brown: 11 points, 3-6 3FG, 4 rebounds
- Bright Kari: 10 points, 5 rebounds
- Jaxson Gould: 10 points, 2-3 3FG
NEXT TIME OUT
- The Wildcats travel up to Michigan on Wednesday to take on Spring Arbor at 5:00 p.m.
- Links for video and stats are available at IWUWildcats.com.
FOLLOW THE WILDCATS
- Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
- Follow Men's Basketball (@IWUHoops): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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