Francis, Thunder storm past IWU

Posted on February 7, 2018

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Aston Francis scored 36 points with signature array of highlight reel three-point shots as Wheaton outscored No, 17 Illinois Wesleyan, 107-95, in a Shirk Center game that further complicates an already crowded College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin race.

After Illinois Wesleyan pulled to within 36-35 with 4:17 to play in the fist half, the Thunder closed out the half on a 16-8 run, capped by Francis’ patent fadeaway three from the corner in the closing seconds to give the Thunder a 52-43 lead at the break.

PODCAST: Listen to IWU coach Ron Rose’s postgame interview on WJBC.

Wheaton (15-6, 8-4 in the CCIW) stormed out the gate in the second half, scoring 12 consecutive points, eventually opening a 81-53 lead with 11:58 to go. IWU (16-5, 9-3 in the CCIW) pulled to within 98-89 on a Miles Curry baseline basket with 1:49 left, but the Thunder made its final 10 free throws down the stretch to seal the win

Brady Rose led the Titans with 27 points. Curry finished with a team-high eight rebounds. Alex O’Neill added 14 points and six boards.

IWU maintains a half-game lead over North Central (9-4) following the Cardinals loss to No. 14 Augustana (9-4), while Wheaton stands along in fourth place, one game ahead of Carthage following the Redmen’s loss to Carroll.

The Titans host Carroll on Saturday.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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