Claxton hit a career-high four three-pointers in the game, keeping the Little Giants close throughout.
Wabash might have pulled away from Elmhurst in the first half. The Little Giants outscored the Bluejays 39-23 from the field. Elmhurst stayed in the game by hitting 14-of-17 free throws in the first half compared to an 0-of-4 half at the charity stripe for the Little Giants.
The Little Giants led by three in the final minute of the first half before Elmhurst tied the game with five seconds remaining in the period. Claxton had the answer, however, hitting a runner in the lane just ahead of the halftime horn to send Wabash to the locker room with a two point lead.
The second half belonged to the Bluejays' Joel Searby. Searby had only six points at halftime, but responded with seven second-half baskets to score 24 points in the game to lead Elmhurst to the win. He outscored Wabash 12-8 in the first seven minutes of the second half to give the Bluejays a 10-point lead. Wabash would cut it to two points with 9:49 remaining on two Claxton free throws, but would see Elmhurst push the advantage back to 10 points with three minutes remaining and hang on to earn its fourth consecutive Classic title.
Claxton had a career-high four three-pointers in the game to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. Pleas Ferguson (Indianapolis, IN/Arsenal Tech) was also named to the all-tournament team, finishing with 14 points.
Wabash (3-7) will return to Chadwick Court to open the 2001 portion of the season. The Little Giants welcome North Coast Athletic Conference opponent Kenyon on Tuesday, January 2, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.