Strong First Half Sends Wheaton to Title Game Of Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wheaton College Thunder validated their No. 2 ranking in NCAA Division III with a strong showing in the first round of the Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic to the tune of a 80-59 win over the College of Mount St. Joseph. Ben Panner poured in 23 points on 10-13 shooting from the floor to pace Wheaton on the night.

In the first stanza, the CCIW representative shot 56 percent from the floor as they pressured the Lions on both ends of the floor. Panner and teammate Kent Raymod broke into double figures for the Thunder, the latter collecting 13 points in the win. Jeremy Pflederer chipped in with eight points for the Thunder.

The Lions fought back to within 18 points on a couple of occasions in the second half, in part due to the strong performance by Michael Romes. However, he and his 15 points were not enough for MSJ to pose a serious threat for a comeback. Mitchell Goldschmidt added eight points for the Lions, who fell to 4-6 on the season.

Wheaton will carry a perfect 9-0 record into the title game to be played on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7:45 p.m. from Pam Evans Smith Arena. Mount St. Joseph will be in the consolation game at 2:45 p.m. to face the loser of Wittenberg and Taylor. Wheaton will get the winner.