By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com
Women’s College Basketball: Wesleyan Women Falter in Second Half; Drop Fourth Straight:
The Iowa Wesleyan women’s basketball team allowed Fontbonne to surge for a 41-24 second half run as the Griffins pulled away for a 71-61 win over Iowa Wesleyan last night at Ruble Arena.
The Tigers, who led by seven at halftime, saw Fontbonne open the second quarter on a 15-5 run eventually leading to a 51-45 lead into the fourth quarter.
Fontbonne turned Wesleyan over six times in third quarter and converted on 5-of-11 shots from three point territory.
Morgan McCrea led Wesleyan with 25 points, while Fontbonne was paced by Rylee Stafford’s game-high 26 points.
The loss dropped Wesleyan to 1-8 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
They’ll be back in action a week from today when they travel to Louisville, Kentucky to battle Spalding University.
Tip is set for 11:00 a.m.
Women’s College Basketball: Iowa to Play Maryland in B1G Women’s Final:
Big Ten Freshman of the Year Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeye women will play in today’s Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament finale, when they take on top-seeded Maryland.
Tip is set for 1:00 p.m.
The Hawkeyes have defeated Purdue, Rutgers and Michigan State on their way to this afternoon’s finale.
In their only other matchup this year, Maryland held on for a 111-93 win.
Clark had 34 points and seven helpers in that game.
The winner of today’s game will get an automatic bid to the 2021 Women’s NCAA Tournament.
Men’s College Basketball: Dentlinger Lifts Tigers to Crucial Home Win:
Former New London prep standout Alex Dentlinger did not miss a single shot attempt, pacing Iowa Wesleyan’s attack with 28 points as the Tigers cruised to an 83-70 win over Fontbonne last night.
The Tigers roasted the first half nets, connecting on 7-of-16 shots from three-point land — leading them to a 14-point halftime lead.
Fontbonne got the game within three in the second half, but that’s when Dentlinger erupted converting on multiple open looks to race the Tigers back in front.
Dentlinger had 17 of his 28 after the break.
Senior forward Jarryd Fernandes added 17 points and seven rebounds for Wesleyan, who upped their season ledger to 3-6 and 2-3 in conference play.
Anthony Jones led Fontbonne with 18 points.
Wesleyan will play in the second leg of the conference doubleheader next week against Spalding.
Tip is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Men’s College Basketball: Iowa Wins, Advances in Big Ten Tournament:
The Iowa men’s basketball team, now 21-7, picked up a clutch win at the Big Ten Tournament last night in Indianapolis.
The Hawkeyes move to this afternoon’s semifinal round.
Here is the full scoreboard from a busy day at Lucas Oil Stadium:
- Michigan 79, No. 8 Maryland 66
- Ohio State 87, No. 4 Purdue 78 (OT)
- Illinois 90, No. 7 Rutgers 68
- Iowa 62, No. 6 Wisconsin 57
Semifinal action will begin today 1:00 p.m. with Michigan-Ohio State.
Illinois will play Iowa approximately 25 minutes following the conclusion of that game.