Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Dec. 15, 2021) - Competing against their second conference opponent, the North Central College men's basketball team lost to Illinois Wesleyan University 73-48 on Wednesday night inside of Gregory Arena.

Three-pointers from Blaise Meredith and John Blumeyer to open the game gave the Cardinals a 6-0 lead before the Titans responded with a three of their own. Both teams went back-and-forth before Illinois Wesleyan went on a 25-0 run. A layup from Meredith put an end to that run before Matthew Helwig knocked down a three-pointer as the Titans took a 36-20 lead into halftime.

Helwig scored four straight points early in the second half, with Ethan Helwig adding a layup as North Central was within 13 points, 39-26. Illinois Wesleyan answered with the next seven points. 

Terrance Moncrief hit a pair of free throws, followed by E. Helwig scoring his fifth point of the game with just over seven minutes to play. Barack Diehl hit his fifth three-pointer of the season in the final minute of play as Illinois Wesleyan would cruise to a 73-48 victory.

Matthew Helwig led the way with 13 points, followed by Meredith (10) and Blumeyer (7). As a team, the Cardinals shot 32% and 17% from behind the arc. Four Titan players recorded double figures as Peter Lambesis posted 15 points and seven assists. Matthew Leritz scored 11 points to add to his seven rebounds. The Titans shot 53% on the night.

North Central is back in action on Saturday as they travel to Decatur to face Millikin. Tip-off is set for 4 PM. You can find links to in-game coverage HERE.

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