The No. 11-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball team ran off their 15th consecutive victory with a 71-61 triumph over visiting Marian (Ind.) University on Saturday afternoon in a standing room only Luckey Arena.
The 15 straight wins is a new program record for the Wildcats, surpassing the mark of 14 set last season. During the streak the Wildcats have beaten four teams ranked in the NAIA Division I and II Top-25 Coaches' Poll and have reeled off seven wins to open Mid-Central College Conference play.
Nearly 2,000 fans were on hand to observe the record setting performance by the Wildcats. Many fans were forced to stand behind the baseline as Luckey Arena witnessed its largest crowd of the season.
Indiana Wesleyan (18-3, 7-0 MCC) made sure to send the huge crowd home on a victorious note as they never trailed on Saturday. But Marian refused to go down easy and kept within striking distance late in the contest.
Patrick Hopkins, fresh off being named MCC Player of the Week the past two weeks, continued his stellar play versus Marian with his 10th double-double of the season. Hopkins led all players in both scoring with 18 and in rebounding with 16.
Will Hubertz added 15 points and eight rebounds while Derrick Troyer contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sophomore guard Aaron Martin and freshman guard Jordan Weidner each finished with nine points.
IWU will hit the road for their next game on Tuesday, January 18 at No. 21 ranked Grace (Ind.) College in Winona Lake, Indiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.