Posted/Modified on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 8:53 PM

A home win for the Warriors is always a good thing, and it is even better when the win is in front of a large crowd and against Wheaton-rival St. Francis. Wheaton Academy executed when they needed to in the low-scoring 47-43 win over the Spartans Tuesday night in the Warrior Dome.

Nate Williams (9 points) started the game out with a spin and a lay-in from inside in the post for the Warriors, and continued to play solid defense the rest of the game with a number of blocks. The first half for Wheaton Academy was played at a rate that was average at best, as they turned the ball over a number of times and were passive offensively. Joel Malmquist (5 points) was a solid force on the boards and from behind the arc as he drained a three as well as a rebound and basket. Jason VanderVeen (11 points), led the team in points, in addition to breaking an effective two-man trap that St. Francis put on the ball handler bringing the ball up the court. WA was just three points down at the half 22-19, in part due to their solid defense.

Axel Cerny (9 points) stepped into third quarter action alongside VanderVeen to try to comeback from a St. Francis run that gave them a 31-21 lead at one point. Benjamin Euler (6 points) stepped in to connect on two three pointers, one that tied the game at 35 towards the end of the quarter.

Te game came down to the final minutes, and as expected, a win or loss for Wheaton Academy was to be determined by whether or not they hit their free throws. The five starting seniors led the way down the stretch, as they hit free throws when they needed to. A defensive change for WA in the final four minutes with the successful intention of containing the Spartans' penetration took time off the clock, as WA maintained a slim, but comfortable two point lead. St. Francis did have one attempt to take a one-point lead on a three pointer when down 42-40, but the shot rimmed out and the Warriors were sent to the line to seal the deal. The win at home improves the team to 10-10 on the season. Friday night WA will be back at it again in the LeTourneau Gymnasium at 7:30 PM against Luther South.

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