The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will return to Salina on Saturday night in search of big bounce-back wins over the Moundbuilders of Southwestern
WBB: Kansas Wesleyan (13-11, 11-7) vs. SW College (0-23, 0-19)
It has been all KWU of late against Southwestern, the Coyotes winning the last 11 games. They defeated the Moundbuilders 81-68 in the first meeting January 3 in Winfield and have a 24-17 lead in the series since January 2006.
The Moundbuilders entered the week seeking their first victory of the season. They lost to Bethel 81-54 Saturday in North Newton and 85-72 to Oklahoma Wesleyan last Wednesday in Winfield.
Southwestern averages 57 points and allows 79. The Moundbuilders are shooting 32 percent overall, 25.7 percent from long distance, are being outrebounded by 8.1 per game and average 20 turnovers.
Senior forward Christy Wiebe leads the team in scoring (11.2 points) and rebounding (8.7). Freshman guard Kennedy Ford is next on the scoring list (9.4). Sophomore guard Macey Pond had 18 points in the first game against KWU.
MBB: Kansas Wesleyan (17-7, 14-4) vs. #9 SW College (21-3, 16-3)
KWU has won three in a row and nine of the last 10 against Saint Mary including a 71-64 victory December 9 inside Mabee Arena. The Coyotes are 6-11 in the Ryan Center since December, 2005 but have a 19-17 overall advantage during that time.
The ninth-ranked Moundbuilders defeated Bethel 97-89 Saturday in North Newton, rebounding from a 70-68 homecourt loss to No. 4 Oklahoma Wesleyan last Wednesday. Southwestern had won eight in a row prior to the OKWU setback.
Cevin Clark had 22 points, Mason Thiessen 21, and Jarvin Jennings 19 in the first game against KWU. Southwestern trailed 57-46 at halftime but made it close the second half.
Clark, a senior guard, leads the NAIA in scoring with a 27.1 average while shooting 48.4 percent from the field, 37.4 percent from long distance, and 85.4 percent from the foul line. He scored 19 against OKWU, 29 against Bethel and has tallied 30 or more seven times this season. Junior guard Justin DeMaria averages 12.5 points and junior guard Andrew O'Brien 10.4. The Moundbuilders average 89.5 points and outrebound their opponents by 12 per game.
Live Coverage
Tonight's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 4:30 PM.