Wooster, Ohio -- The final contest of 2023 for the Wheaton men's basketball team saw the Thunder take on the same opponent it faced two years ago to the day, the Edgewood College Eagles. Rounding out a trip to the College of Wooster for the Kiwanis Classic this weekend, Wheaton matched up against the Eagles for its second neutral court game in as many days and the last non-conference test on the 2023-24 schedule. The Thunder fell to another narrow defeat this evening, but unlike yesterday's shootout against John Carroll, Saturday's matchup was considerably more defensive in nature.
Nate Sock led all scorers today and was named to the All-Tournament team for his performances this weekend. Wheaton will head into the second half of its schedule with a 2-10 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference action.
Edgewood shot the ball effectively in today's meeting, posting 42% and 40% marks from the field and three-point land, respectively, while Wheaton had to settle for 31.7% and 32% tallies in those categories. The Thunder outperformed the Eagles at the free throw line, however, posting a solid 80% conversion rate. Edgewood earned more rebounds while Wheaton won the turnover battle, and the Thunder also secured advantages in points off of turnovers and second chance points. But the Eagles enjoyed more offensive production from the bench and more scoring in the paint, and these tilts helped the NACC side secure the win. The score was tied three times and the lead changed hands on nine occasions in today's competitive matchup.
Kyle Neibch drained a straightaway three on the opening possession of the game, and
Nick Schiavello followed with five points of his own to put Wheaton in front, 10-4, six minutes in. But the Eagles came back with a seven-point surge to edge ahead, before
Soren Richardson knocked down consecutive triples to continue his impressive scoring on the weekend. Edgewood shrugged off a 20-14 deficit to claim a 21-20 lead with five minutes left in the first frame, and the two teams traded baskets in the closing minutes of the half. A free throw gave Wheaton a 28-27 edge on the penultimate possession, but the Eagles registered a jump shot in the final seconds to earn a one-point advantage at the halftime break.
This lead would prove permanent for Edgewood, as tonight's opposition led for the entirety of the second period. After conceding the first four points of the half, Wheaton managed to get within three multiple times in the second frame, but the Eagles came up with enough defensive stops and well-timed baskets to remain in front. Trailing by nine points with nine minutes left, the Thunder chipped away at their opponent's lead and made it a 54-52 scoreline with one minute left via a
Connor Braun three-pointer. Three foul shots from Richardson then brought Wheaton within a single point with 30 seconds left. After the Eagles converted both of their free throws at the other end, Sock hit a tough jumper in the lane to make it 58-57 with 14 ticks remaining. But the comeback effort fell just short as the Thunder turned the ball over on their final two possessions and Edgewood made three of their resulting four foul shots to ice away the game.
Nate Sock led all players with 19 points this evening and was again just one rebound short of a double-double. The senior also dished out a pair of assists and made all three of his attempted free throws. Richardson was close behind with 17 points and knocked down a team-high three threes while also gathering in four boards. Schiavello scored eight and again led the Thunder in assists with four to his credit. Braun contributed seven rebounds and a team-best two blocks.
The Thunder men's basketball team's extended travels away from home will continue on Wednesday night, as Wheaton resumes CCIW play with a trip to Augustana. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM in Rock Island.
