BOXSCORE

Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder men's basketball team, ranked 24th in the most recent D3Hoops.com top-25 poll, earned 67-51 victory against Millikin tonight in King Arena. Wheaton never trailed in tonight's game, leading 30-22 at halftime. The Thunder led by as much as 26 points late in the second half. Tonight's win marked Wheaton's 11th consecutive victory against the Big Blue. Wheaton improves to 14-4 overall and 4-3 in league play. Millikin falls to 8-10 overall and 1-6 in the CCIW.

Sophomore Ben Panner (PICTURED LEFT) led the Thunder with a team-high 17 points, scoring 13 points in the first half. Panner drained a trio of three-pointers in the game and recorded five steals. Junior Kent Raymond scored 15 points, with 12 second-half points. Center Andy Wiele (PICTURED RIGHT) scored 13 points, with 11 rebounds to record his 12th “double-double” of the year, tallying double digits in points and rebounds. Six of Wiele's rebounds were offensive caroms and he added four assists. Jacob Carwell scored seven points, with eight rebounds.

Tunde Ogunleye led the Big Blue with a game-high 19 point and two assists. Joscar Demby added eight points, with two steals for the guests.

Wheaton shot 42.4% (25-59) from the field, with 41.7% (5-12) from three-point range and 66.7% (12-18) at the free throw line. Millikin had a 40.9% (18-44) field goal percentage, with 50% (5-10) from three-point range and 76.9% (10-13) from the charity stripe. Wheaton out-rebounded the Big Blue 39-24. The Thunder owned a 15-4 edge on the offensive glass that allowed the hosts out hold a 17-2 advantage in second chance points.

Wheaton will host Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday in a 7:30 PM tipoff against the Cardinals that will be broadcast on WETN radio at 88.1 FM in the Wheaton area and on the internet at www.wetn.org. Live statistics of Saturday's game will be provided at this LINK.