Illinois Wesleyan University's men's basketball team faces No. 2 Emory University in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division III Tournament on March 19. The Titans earned their spot after a strong 83-77 victory over No. 11 Endicott College, improving their record to 26-4. Emory also advanced with a convincing 101-80 win against Yeshiva University, holding a record of 25-3. This matchup marks their second encounter, with Emory having previously won their only meeting in December 2017. Illinois Wesleyan is keen to return to the Final Four for the first time in almost a decade.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois Wesleyan's average attendance of 1,336 per game ranks third nationally in Division III.
  • Mason Funk leads the CCIW with 72 blocks this season, the second-most in Titans' history.
Yes, But

While Illinois Wesleyan presents a strong defensive front, past performance against Emory, including 17 turnovers and shooting struggles, raises concerns about their ability to compete effectively.

State of Play
  • Illinois Wesleyan has a defensive field goal percentage of 38.3%, ranking fifth nationally.
  • The Titans are enjoying a significant fan presence, having drawn 22,714 home spectators this season, more than any other Division III team.
What's Next

A win against Emory could propel Illinois Wesleyan to the Final Four, setting up a potential matchup against a strong semifinal opponent, given both teams' recent performances.

Bottom Line

Illinois Wesleyan's strong defensive capabilities and robust fan support present a promising outlook, but they must overcome past challenges against Emory to solidify their place in tournament history.