BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The No. 21 Elmhurst University men's basketball team fell, 67-79, Wednesday evening at Illinois Wesleyan in a battle of the top two teams in the CCIW.

Elmhurst (18-5, 10-4 CCIW) was unable to respond to a second-half surge from the Titans (15-7, 11-2 CCIW), keeping the game close but ultimatley dropping the contest.

Four Bluejays scored in double-digits on the night, with Jonathan Zapinski and Quinn Pemberton each tallying 15 with Zapinski adding nine rebounds, three assists, and five blocks in the contest. Ocean Johnson tallied 14 points and seven rebounds, while John Ittounas had 13 points and four assists.

Illinois Wesleyan was powered by Nick Roper, who scored a game-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds, while Hakin Williams scored 14 points and Harrison Wilmsen scored 13 to round out the top scorers for the Titans.

The two teams traded leads early before the Bluejays opened a seven-point lead with eight to go in the opening period. The Titans responded to again tie the game and kept a narrow four-point lead heading into the intermission.

Out of the half, the Titans continued making shots while Elmhurst had no answer, allowing the hosts to build a 14-point lead with less than ten to go in the game. This lead grew to as much as 17 later in the half, and was a hole the Bluejays were not able to climb out of as the visitors fell by 12 points to the host Titans. 

UP NEXT

Elmhurst returns to R.A. Faganel Hall this Saturday, Feb. 10, hosting Wheaton College at 4:15 p.m. Prior to the game, the Bluejays will honor seven members of the senior class of 2024 in their home finale at Elmhurst.

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.