LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Spalding University men's basketball team fell to Iowa Wesleyan University, 90-80, Saturday afternoon at Derek Smith Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles fall to 1-7 on the season and 0-3 in SLIAC play.

After 20 minutes of play, the Golden Eagles fell behind 44-32 at the end of the first half. SU struggled to defend the three, and Iowa Wesleyan capitalized as five different players scored from behind the arc. IWU hit 8-of-17 threes connecting on 47 percent of attempts from long range. Iowa Wesleyan also defended well earning two steals, two blocks, and forcing seven turnovers. The Golden Eagles stayed within reach of the Tigers by hitting 50 percent of their threes. Rylan Rowe went 3-of-6 from the behind the arc, leading the Golden Eagles offense with nine points. James Turner added seven points and grabbed six boards in the first half.

SU fought to stay within reach in the second half picking up the press and defensive intensity forcing six turnovers, after only forcing three in the first half. IWU led the game by 24 points at the 8-minute mark, but SU cut that lead down to just ten with the help of Nick Trisko's 19 second half points and 10 rebounds. He finished the game with 24 points and 13 rebounds, earning his fourth straight double-double.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action Saturday, December 17^th against Westminster College. The SLIAC game is set for 7pm in Fulton, Mo.