OMAHA, NEB. – Weldon Miller (Jr.-San Rafael, Calif.) scored 41 points and grabbed 21 rebounds over the two games as Iowa Wesleyan College opened its men’s basketball season against Dana (Neb.) College and Grace (Neb.) University at the Grace University Classic this weekend.
The Tigers opened with an 85-71 loss against Dana on Friday night but rebounded with a 92-77 win over Grace Saturday afternoon.
In IWC’s victory over the Royals, the Tigers had four players scoring in double digits. Miller led the Tigers with a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Behind Miller was Blake Smith (Fr.-Sydney, Australia) who scored 18 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field. Jared Callanan (Sr.-Bennington, Vt.) contributed with 15 points (including five three-pointers), and Reggie Shipp (Jr.-Aurora, Ill.) added 11 points. The Tigers shot the ball 48.6% (34-70) from the field compared to the Royals 41.7% (25-60).
The Tigers struggled to find enough offense against the Vikings, shooting just 34.7% from the field. They were led by Miller again who scored 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Behind Miller was Brett Azinger (Fr.-Montrose, Iowa) who added 10 points in his collegiate debut.
IWC improved drastically at the free throw line from their first game against Dana (52%) to their second game against Grace (82.4%). The Tigers struggled to take care of the basketball against the Vikings turning the ball over 22 times, but cut that number down to 14 against the Royals. Wesleyan dominated the boards in both performances winning the rebound margin by 14 and 11, respectively, over the two games.
The Tigers continue their season this weekend at the Mount Mercy College Classic in Cedar Rapids against Judson (Ill.) University Friday at 6 p.m., and then against Trinity International (Ill.) University Saturday at 2 p.m.
For more information regarding the IWC basketball programs or any of the Tiger athletic teams, contact sports information director Adam Glatczak (319-385-6306 phone; 319-385-6384 FAX; aglatczak@iwc.edu e-mail) or log on to IWC's athletics web site at www.iwc.edu/athletics.
