Brady Zimmer (left) finished with 20 points. (WJBC File Photo)

By Joel Swanson

WHEATON- Illinois Wesleyan opened up a 23 point lead early in the second half but had to withstand a furious Wheaton rally to win the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener 83-80 at King Arena Wednesday night. 

The Titans played an outstanding first half as they led the Thunder 45-26 at the intermission. In the first stanza Illinois Wesleyan got 13 points from Victor Davis and 10 points off the bench from Brady Zimmer allowing them to open up a lead they would never relinquish.

Behind the play of star guard Tyler Peters the Thunder rallied in the second half. Peters was held to two points in the first half but scored 24 second half points to keep the Thunder in the game, however, the Titans were able to hold off the Thunder by making 12 of 14 free throws down the stretch.

Illinois Wesleyan was led in scoring by Brady Zimmer who finished with 20 points while Pat Sodemann added 18. The Titans improved to 9-3 on the season, 1-0 in the CCIW while Wheaton dropped to 10-2, 0-1 in the CCIW.

The Titans return home Saturday night for the first time since December 15th when they take on Elmhurst at the Shirk Center.