MARION, Ind. – No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball wowed Luckey Arena on Wednesday night in a 128-75 win over Cincinnati Christian (Ohio). The Wildcats showcased the full arsenal with dunks, defense, and deep 3’s on a night when Kyle Mangas scored his 1,000th career point in his eighth game of his sophomore season.
1,000 CAREER POINTS
Kyle Mangas made it look easy to score 1,000 career points at the college level. He needed 26 points to reach the milestone today and accomplished it with a 3-pointer in the second half. He needed just eight games into his sophomore season and 46 games overall to hit the career mark.
NEARLY EPIC PROPORTIONS
Indiana Wesleyan flirted with the school record of 136 points in a game played in 1994. The Wildcats’ 128 points is the most since a 129 point outburst vs. Great Lakes Christian (Mich.) on November 7, 2015. IWU scored 64 points in each half while shooting 59-percent from the field.
CONTAINING WALSMAN
Eagles’ star player Blake Walsman entered the game with 31 points and 17 rebounds per game averages. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds with many of those coming late in the second half in a 40-point game.
OPPORTUNISTIC CATS
The Wildcats held a 22-2 advantage in points off turnovers. IWU forced 18 CCU miscues and produced a 23-7 assist/turnover ratio.
TONAGEL THOUGHTS
“Our defense really ignited our offense. You see 128 points and think we exploded offensively. But I don’t really think that’s what happened. The tale of the tape was our defense. It was good to see our defense ignite our offense and get us going and we are improving in that category. It was a team effort.”
“Kyle is a special player. I am still amazed in how he does it. At halftime, I didn’t think he scored many buckets and he has 16. He scored 1,000 points quietly if that is possible by the start of your sophomore year. He is a special talent.”
NEXT FOR THE WILDCATS
Indiana Wesleyan has one more non-league contest before Crossroads League competition begins next week. IWU hosts Ohio Christian on Friday with a 7 p.m. tipoff.
