Titans play spoiler to Augustana’s tourney hopes

Posted on February 21, 2017

Andy Stempel scored 13 points as Illinois Wesleyan defeated Augustana on Tuesday. (WJBC photo)

By Nick McClintock

BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Wesleyan Titans decided that if they can’t have it, their rivals can’t either.

IWU stormed out to a commanding lead early and held off the Augustana Vikings 107-77 Tuesday night at Shirk Center in Bloomington.

Senior Trevor Seibring was the spark for the Titans early, going for seven points in the first seven minutes, and leading IWU to a 15 point lead at 24-9 nearly halfway through the first half.

Despite finally getting into double digits, the Vikings had no defense for the Titans hot shooting. IWU shot over 60% for the first half, while also forcing 10 Viking turnovers.

The Titans ended up doubling up the Vikings with an incredible 62 points, to Augustana’s 31.

Although Augustana would get their offense going early in the second half, no run could begin without the Titans. The 31 point lead would shrink to as little as 20 midway through the second half, but that would be as close as the Vikings would get.

Seibring would finish the contest with 15. He was joined by fellow senior Andy Stempel (13) in double digits. Leading the team would be Brady Rose with 24 points.

IWU finishes the 2016-17 year with a 17-8 record.

Nick McClintock can be reached at [email protected]

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