Mike Marietti had 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Titans' win over Carthage. (WJBC photo)
By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – On a night in which Illinois Wesleyan unveiled a Final Four banner to honor last year's team, it was two holdovers who led the way for the Titans in the home opener in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener.
Dylan Overstreet scored 20 points and added seven assists, while Mike Marietti posted 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Titans to a 73-61 win over Carthage at Shirk Center.
Wesleyan trailed for much of the first half, but grabbed the lead for good with an 11-2 run for a 36-31 advantage heading into the break.
IWU used its size and depth to eventually wear down the Red Men, who were playing without starting center Mike Kastel due to a family emergency.
Carthage's Cameron Van Wyk scored 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting, but was limited to 24 minutes because of foul trouble.
IWU improves to 10-4, 2-1 in the CCIW. The Titans host Millikin on Wednesday.
Members of last year's National Semifinal team were given a standing ovation as they unveiled the banner before the game.
IWU honored its women's soccer team at halftime. The soccer team advanced to the National Semifinals last year and won a program record 18 games.
PODCAST: Listen to postgame interviews with IWU coach Ron Rose and Marietti.