Elmhurst, Ill. (2/17) – The 25th-ranked Thunder men's basketball team lost a tough 80-74 decision at 12th-ranked Elmhurst on Saturday night. Wheaton falls to 16-8 overall and 8-5 in the CCIW, while Elmhurst is now 19-5 on the season and 9-4 in league play.

The start of tonight's game was originally scheduled for 8 PM, however, the tip-off was delayed 53 minutes because Elmhurst's R.A. Faganel Hall was also the site of the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Wrestling Regional that ended after 8 PM. Additionally, the halftime intermission of tonight's contest was interrupted by a fire alarm that delayed the resumption of play for the second half.

Tonight's back-and-forth battle saw 11 lead changes and the game was tied on 18 occasions. Elmhurst led the Thunder 41-37 at halftime. In the second half of the game there were four lead changes and nine ties. The 18th and final tie of the game was a 64-64 score with 3:15 left in regulation. Elmhurst then out-scored the Thunder 12-2 to give the hosts a 76-66 lead with 26-seconds left in regulation to emerge with the victory.

All-American guard Kent Raymond led the Thunder with 37 points, with three field goals from behind the three-point arc and six rebounds. Senior Michael Fiddler scored 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field and three steals. Senior Johnnie Standard and junior John Mohan each contributed nine points. Mohan and Ben Panner each dished out a team-high four assists.

Pat Bacon led the Bluejays with 23 points. Brent Ruch shot 8-for-12 from the field to score 19 points with nine rebounds. Ryan Burks scored 18 points and Brian Lee added nine points for the hosts.

Wheaton shot 45.3% (24-53) from the field, with 45.5% (5-11) from three-point range and 84% (21-25) at the free throw line. Elmhurst recorded a 44.3% (27-61) field goal percentage, with 26.7% (4-15) from three-point range and 88% (22-25) at the charity stripe. Elmhurst out-rebounded the Thunder 37-28, with a 13-6 edge on the offensive glass.