The Cardinals stayed with the top-ranked Titans for much of the first half, but fell behind in the closing minutes as Wesleyan shot nearly 60 percent from the field. North Central trailed, 38-22, at halftime.
After trailing by as many as 22 in the second half, the Cardinals knocked the deficit down to 11 on a three by Wilson with 9:39 remaining. The Titans responded with a Keelan Amelianovich old-fashioned three-point-play and solid free-throw shooting down the stretch.
North Central was able to match Wesleyan’s shooting in the second half, outscoring the Titans, 45-43 in the period. The Cardinals were hampered at the line, converting on 4-of-11 opportunities.
Wilson’s career high 34 points came on 13-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-11 from three-point land. His total is the third highest ever at the Shirk Center in Bloomington. The junior also had seven rebounds and one blocked shot.
Sophomore Daniel Walton (Carol Stream/Glenbard North) had eight points and 12 boards.
Andrew Freeman and Amelianovich led the Illinois Wesleyan offense with 17 points each.
North Central travels to Wheaton College Saturday, February 5th. The Cardinals defeated the Thunder, 82-62, on January 12th in Gregory Arena.