Fernandes Nets 51 in Loss

Jarryd Fernandes (SO/Sydney, Australia) and the Tigers nearly knocked off the Greenville Panthers in tonight's St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup.  Fernandes broke the IW men's single-game record for field goals made and tied the record for points scored in a single game after scoring 51 points on 21 field goals.  Despite his career night, the Panthers hung on to win 128-125.

Iowa Wesleyan held the advantage in shooting percentage, finishing just shy of 56 percent for the game.  The Panthers ended the game shooting under 40 percent from the field, but they made sixteen three-pointers compared to two by the Tigers. Greenville built a 16 point lead in the first half, but the Tigers made a run late in the half and cut the deficit two 59-60 at the break.

The Tigers got off to a good start in the second half and built a nine-point lead after a layup by Jarryd Fernandes.  Greenville tied the game up on multiple occasions, but IW was able to get back in front on each of the next possessions.  The score was knotted up at 90 apiece with 9:33 remaining. The Panthers were able to go back in front after a free throw on their next trip down the floor. Iowa Wesleyan came back and tied the game at 103-103 with just under 5:34 left in the game.  They would take a four-point lead after layups by Jarryd Fernandes and Brian Patterson (SO/St. Louis, MO), but Greenville would come back and secure a three-point win.

Jarryd Fernandes led all scorers with 51 points on 21 of 28 shooting from the field.  He added nine free throws, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Austin Rebel (SO/Perth, Australia) recorded 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Tigers.  Alex Dentlinger (FR/New London, IA) added 12 points off the bench in the loss.

Iowa Wesleyan will play their final home game on Wednesday, February 13th when they host Fontbonne University at 7:30 pm.  IW is now 6-17 overall and 4-12 in conference play.