BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – An explosive start gave the Bluejays a commanding first half lead, but Elmhurst would come up short in overtime, falling to #12 Illinois Wesleyan in the CCIW Men's Basketball Championship final, 69-59 on Saturday night.

A tough defensive effort that held the Titans to just 25% (8-32) shooting in the first half would allow the Jays to build a 19-point advantage at the break. Elmhurst opened the game on a 9-2 run that included five points from Vinnie Adjahoungbeta, and the Bluejays would stay in front throughout the first half. A steal and fast-break dunk from Sebastian Blachut gave the Jays a double-digit lead, 23-12 with 7:40 on the clock, and Talen Pearson's three at the 2:12 mark gave the visitors their largest lead of the night, 35-16.

Illinois Wesleyan would respond at the start of the second half, going on an 11-3 run to cut their deficit to 40-30 with 15:55 to play. The Titans would get within single digits, and after Adjahoungbeta's jumper at the 9:51 mark pushed the Elmhurst lead back to 48-39, the Jays would score only on free throws the rest of the way.

Smith would hit a pair of clutch free throws in the closing seconds to tie the game at 56-56, and after a chance at the game-winner from both sides, the game would head to overtime.

The offensive struggle would continue in the extra session, as Illinois Wesleyan would go on an 11-0 run to put the game out of reach.

Trelenberg led the Bluejays with 18 points on the night, along with eight rebounds. Adjahoungbeta finished with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Aidyn Boone pulled down a team-high ten rebounds.

Elmhurst now awaits the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Selection Show to see if their season will continue. The selection show will air on Monday, Mar. 2 at 12:00 p.m. at NCAA.com.