Elmhurst 90 IWU 77

"Size vs quickness...what wins?"

Saturday night, it was size that won. I think everyone at the game came away feeling like the Bluejays were just simply too big and strong for the Titans. Now, IWU can beat that team - and I expect the game at the Shirk Center to look much different - but to do so, the team defense has to be better. You know they're going to be a tough matchup inside, but the Titans will have to do a much better job defending the perimeter next time. The Bluejays were 8-11 (73%) from 3-point range and made numerous mid-range jumpshots as well.

IWU's two consistent problem areas this season have been perimeter defense and free throw shooting. Both were issues again at Elmhurst. I mentioned the defensive issues above. Regarding free throws, the Titans were just 13-25 (52%), which is just not going to get it done in a road CCIW game.

The biggest positive I took away was how hard this IWU team competes. They could have easily been blown out of the gym after it got to 31-13 at the 10:49 mark, but they fought back. They got it to 7 by halftime. Then in the second, after getting down 12, they once again scrapped and clawed and got it all the way down to 3. At no point this season have I ever questioned effort, and I certainly didn't Saturday.

Sean Johnson has a chance to be a special player at IWU. When that kid gets going, he is just an electric scorer. I love his fire out there when he starts heating up and would love to see it for 40 minutes per game. Sean needs to take the floor each night out feeling like he is one of the primary scoring options.

Huge game Wednesday as Wheaton, and one of the best players in NCAA Division III (Kent Raymond), comes to town. The Titans can stay right in the middle of the CCIW race with a victory, and they have a great chance to knock of the Thunder.