Lisle, Ill. (11/21) – The Thunder men's basketball team improved to 2-1 on Tuesday night with an 70-58 win at Benedictine University (1-2). Wheaton led 35-31 at halftime; with 14 first half points from freshman Ben Panner. Wheaton led 44-35 with 16:30 left in the second half when the Eagles used a 10-0 scoring run to take a 45-44 lead. The Thunder held a narrow 52-51 lead with 8:00 left in the game; however, the guests closed the game with an 18-7 scoring advantage to earn the 12-point victory.

Panner led the Thunder with a career-high 21 points in just his third collegiate game. The newcomer made three three-point field goals and added three assists. All-American Kent Raymond scored 20 points, with eight rebounds. Andy Wiele collected 15 rebounds, including 11 in the second half. The sophomore center scored 12 points, with three field goals from three-point range. Senior Johnnie Standard grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out four assists.

Jacob Carwell led the Eagles with 13 points. Travis Wilson and Jared Bailey each added 12 points. Dan Klecan scored 10 points, with six rebounds for the hosts.

The Thunder shot 39% (23-59) from the field, with 38.9% (7-18) from three-point range and 81% (17-21) from the free throw line. Benedictine had a 38.3% (23-60) field goal percentage, with 20% (4-20) from three-point range and 53.3% (8-15) from the charity stripe. The Thunder out-rebounded Benedictine 50-29, with a 17-8 edge on the offensive glass as Wheaton held a 23-7 advantage in second-chance points.