Millikin led the Thunder 14-9 with 13:30 left in the first half, but Wheaton closed with a 37-18 scoring advantage to hold a commanding 46-32 lead at halftime. Wheaton remained in control throughout the second half, with its biggest lead bulging as high as 20 points on two occasions and the Big Blue never got closer than 12 points within the Thunder.
Senior guard Jon Nielson led the guests with 17 points, on 6-for-10 shooting from the field, including 3-for-5 from three-point range, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Freshman Kent Raymond scored 13 points, with three assists and two steals. Tony Bollier and Jonathan Steven each contributed 11 points, while Steven added six rebounds, two assists and steals. Seniors Jim Fortosis and Martin Trimiew each scored eight points, while Fortosis grabbed five rebounds and Trimiew added four caroms.
Chuck Williams was the only Millikin player to score in double digits with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mike Gavic added seven points and seven rebounds.
Wheaton shot 62.1% (18-29) from the field in the first half and posted a 45.5% (25-55) field goal percentage for the game. The Thunder posted a 42.1% (8-19) three-point field goal percentage, with 80.8% (21-26) at the free throw line. Millikin shot 44.6% (25-56) from the field, with 26.7% (4-15) from three-point range and 69.2% (9-13) at the free throw line. Wheaton out-rebounded the Big Blue 32-26, with an 11-8 edge on the offensive glass. Wheaton’s offensive rebounding edge help the Thunder hold a commanding 14-3 advantage in second-chance points.
Wheaton vs MILLIKIN 2/12/05 7:30 p.m. at Decatur, Ill. At Decatur, Ill. WHEATON 79, MILLIKIN 63 WHEATON (18-3, 8-2) Nielson, Jon 6-10 2-3 17; Raymond, Kent 5-10 2-2 13; Bollier, Tony 3-5 2-2 11; Steven, Jonathan 4-9 2-2 11; Trimiew, Martin 3-7 2-4 8; Fortosis, Jim 2-7 4-5 8; Lettinga, Andrew 1-4 2-2 4; Fiddler, Michael 0-1 2-2 2; Bennett, Luke 1-1 0-0 2; Bishop, Kevin 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-55 21-26 79. MILLIKIN (11-10, 3-7) Williams,Chuck 8-16 3-4 21; Brooks,Lance 4-6 0-0 8; Gavic,Mike 3-9 1-3 7; Graven,Bryon 2-4 2-2 6; Jones,Reid 2-6 0-0 4; Fisher,Jason 1-2 2-2 4; Perkins,JJ 1-1 0-0 3; Russell,Adam 1-6 0-0 3; Nohren,Tyler 1-3 1-2 3; Nohren,Matt 1-1 0-0 2; Goldstein,Doug 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 25-56 9-13 63. Wheaton....................... 46 33 - 79 MILLIKIN...................... 32 31 - 63 3-point goals-Wheaton 8-19 (Bollier, Tony 3-4; Nielson, Jon 3-5; Steven, Jonathan 1-5; Raymond, Kent 1-4; Lettinga, Andrew 0-1), MILLIKIN 4-15 (Williams,Chuck 2-7; Perkins,JJ 1-1; Russell,Adam 1-2; Jones,Reid 0-3; Goldstein,Doug 0-1; Gavic,Mike 0-1). Fouled out--Wheaton-None, MILLIKIN-None. Rebounds-Wheaton 32 (Steven, Jonathan 6), MILLIKIN 26 (Gavic,Mike 7). Assists-Wheaton 13 (Nielson, Jon 3; Raymond, Kent 3), MILLIKIN 6 (Williams,Chuck 3; Graven,Bryon 3). Total fouls-Wheaton 16, MILLIKIN 16.