GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College men's basketball team couldn't keep up with Grinnell College's fast start on Sunday evening, falling by a score of 107-81. The loss sends the Blueboys to 3-7 (1-4 Midwest Conference), while the Pioneers take the lead in the conference at 9-2 (5-0 MWC).
Turnovers were the story of the first half as Illinois College committed 22 against Grinnell's unrelenting pressure. On the other side of the ball, the Pioneers committed just two. Though the Blueboys had a healthy rebounding edge on Grinnell (33-21) in the opening 20 minutes, the Pioneers canned nine three-pointers and IC's 37 percent shooting from the floor wasn't good enough to keep up.
Kane Wildermuth gave Illinois College its only lead with the opening basket of the game and he scored again at the 15:20 mark of the first half to slice IC's deficit to one, 12-11. After that, a 21-1 Grinnell run grew the lead to 33-12 and the rout was on. By halftime, the Pioneers were on top, 61-31.
The Blueboys looked more comfortable against the press after halftime, turning the ball over only eight times and getting more open looks near the basket. Illinois College ended with a field goal percentage of over 54 percent in the second half and
Riley Mehrens knocked down three three-pointers. Despite IC's improved play, Grinnell's lead never shrank to less than 22 points and the Pioneers eased to the win down the stretch.
Wildermuth ended with team highs of 19 points and nine rebounds on the day for Illinois College.
Mason Speer scored 13 points and added seven assists.
Isaac Collins ended with 12 points in the game and Mehrens had 11.
The Blueboys wrap up non-conference play over the next six days with a pair of road contests against CCIW competition. First up is a Dec. 19 matchup at Millikin University starting at 4 p.m.
