Illinois Wesleyan falters in 2nd half in loss to No. 3 Augie

Posted on January 20, 2016
Joel Pennington IWU
Jawan Straughter scored seven points for Augustana in a win over IWU at Shirk Center on Wednesday. (Photo by WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Wesleyan’s halftime lead of 30-28 would prove to be the Titans last advantage in their upset bid against No. 3 Augustana.

The Vikings opened the second half on a 9-2 run and never trailed again in a 77-60 win over the Titans in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin game at Shirk Center.

PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interview with IWU coach Ron Rose.

IWU led for much of the first half despite committing 11 turnovers and allowing 12 offensive rebounds for Augie. The VIkings managed just 33 percent field goal shooting in the first half, but coaxed in 59 percent of their shots in the second half.

The Titans finished with 18 turnovers, while the Vikings enjoyed a 42-29 rebounding edge including 16 offensive boards.

Ryan Coyle led IWU with 17 points. Trevor Seibring added 15 points and eight rebounds. Augustana was paced by Ben Ryan’s 22 points.

The Titans drop to 3-3 in the CCIW, 9-8 overall. Augustana ups its mark to 5-1 in the league, 16-1 overall.

Wesleyan plays at North Park on Saturday.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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