Wheaton, Ill. -- Hosting their final non-conference matchup before the beginning of CCIW play next week, the 24th-ranked Wheaton men's basketball team faced off against the University of Chicago Maroons inside King Arena on Saturday night. The visitors never led in tonight's game, and the Thunder used their ten-point halftime lead to eventually secure a comfortable 18-point win. Wheaton improved to 5-1 on the year as a result of the victory and earned a third straight win over their Windy City opponents.

Chicago got off to an ambitious start by putting up two three-pointers on the game's first possession but neither found the mark, and Wheaton registered the first points thanks to a jumper in the lane by TJ Askew. A three-ball by the Maroons three minutes in tied the game at five points apiece, but this marked the last time that Wheaton did not have the lead on the scoreboard. Askew converted another basket in the paint on the hosts' next possession, and from that point on, the Maroons were left playing catch-up. Wheaton picked up some offensive momentum as the half wore on, and a last-second jumper by Connor Braun gave the Thunder their largest lead yet heading into halftime at 39-29. Nick Schiavello tallied the first five points of the second half to prevent a quick turnaround by the Maroons after the break. UChicago converted consecutive jump shots in the paint five minutes into the period to cut Wheaton's lead down to 16, but the visitors from the big city could not hit enough shots or come up with enough stops to seriously threaten their hosts' advantage. The away team scored the final eight points of the game, but this late run did nothing to change a comprehensive result in the Thunder's favor, and Wheaton walked away with a 73-55 win.

Wheaton held UChicago to a 36.4% shooting mark across both halves while shooting 48.3% themselves, including an impressive 53.33% in the first half. The Thunder were a solid 8-11 from the free throw line, but the Maroons could only manage a 9-14 tally. Chicago out-rebounded their hosts, but Wheaton won the turnover battle by a notable 12-5 margin. The visitors edged Wheaton in second chance points and bench production, but the Thunder led the Maroons in every other statistical category, including a key 19-9 points off of turnovers mark.

Tyson Cruickshank tied his season-high point total and led all players with 23 tonight, while also dishing out a game-best seven assists. TJ Askew had a solid all-around performance, going for 10 points, game-highs of three blocks and eight rebounds, and leading Wheaton in steals with two to his name. Nick Schiavello put up 14 points and gathered in four rebounds. Andrew Williams and Connor Braun each contributed eight points and Williams grabbed five boards, while Eddie Scott tallied four assists and seven points.

After two dominant wins this week, Wheaton's focus now turns to conference play, as the Thunder are set to host Augustana on Wednesday night in a CCIW opener.