BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Elmhurst University men's basketball team fell to No. 10 Illinois Wesleyan, 86-68, in a league game at the Shirk Center on Sunday (Dec. 15).

The Bluejays fall to a record of 4-5 overall, and a 1-2 CCIW record, while Illinois Wesleyan stands at 8-1 and 2-1 in the CCIW after the victory.

Vinnie Adjahoungbeta led the team in blocks with two and also contributed four points and four rebounds. Tagen Pearson showcased his shooting accuracy by scoring 11 points, including making three out of four 3-point attempts. Aidyn Boone was active defensively, recording two steals and contributing nine points, six rebounds, and three assists. These players have demonstrated key contributions in their respective areas, helping to strengthen the team's overall performance.

In the first half, IWU took the early lead with Hakim Williams scoring a layup just seconds after the tip-off. Elmhurst responded with a 3-pointer from Pearson at the 18:30 mark, but the Titans quickly extended their lead with a series of fastbreaks, highlighted by Nick Roper's dunk at 16:50, leading to a score of 10-3. The Bluejays struggled with turnovers, committing eight in the half, which allowed Ill. Wesleyan to capitalize and maintain their lead. Despite Elmhurst's late surge with Sebastian Blachut scoring crucial points, Ill. Wesleyan managed to hold on to a slim lead, ending the half at 42-37.

During the second half, Illinois Wesleyan expanded their lead with a series of key plays and strong defense. Harrison Wilmsen opened with a 3-pointer and a layup, contributing to Ill. Wesleyan's 10-point run, reaching a score of 50-40. Elmhurst responded with Dominic Trelenberg and Jack Cherry hitting consecutive 3-pointers, narrowing the gap to 50-46. However, Ill. Wesleyan maintained control, with Mason Funk and Hakim Williams leading a fast-break offense that extended their lead to 67-54. Despite the Bluejays' late efforts, including a 3-pointer from Adjahoungbeta, Ill. Wesleyan finished the half ahead, 86-68, outscoring Elmhurst 44-31 in the second half.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays are set to take on the Jay Bilas Classic this Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19-20. Elmhurst will face Randolph-Macon College on Thursday (Dec. 19) at 5:00 pm ET, and will take on Christopher Newport University on Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:00 pm ET, with both games taking place in Charlotte, NC.

FOLLOW THE BLUEJAYS

Be sure to keep up with all Elmhurst University Athletics content by following the Bluejays on Twitter (@elmhurstbluejay), Facebook (Elmhurst University Athletics) and Instagram (@elmhurstbluejays), and tune in to elmhurstbluejays.com for the latest news and information.