Friday night Wabash took an early lead but could not hold on for a win. Saturday the team solved that problem in a 56-44 win against IU-South Bend in the consolation game of the 2006 Little Giant Tipoff Tournament.
Gary Simkus scored two of his game-high 16 points in the first four minutes to put Wabash up 6-0. The junior forward joined teammate Andrew Zimmer on the All-Tournament team after shooting 7-of-12 from the field and snaring six rebounds. Zimmer set a new Tipoff Tournament single game record with his 16 rebounds. The junior foward had nine offensive boards, nine total points, four blocked shots, and three assists in the win. Wabash finished with 47 rebounds in the contest, holding IUSB to only nine second-chance points after surrendering 29 Friday night to Rose-Hulman. (View photos of the Little Giants' victory.)
After leading by six early, the Little Giants had to survive two runs by the Titans before pushing the lead to 13 points on a putback basket by freshman Aaron Brock. Brock hit double figures for the first time in his career with 11 points coming off the bench for Wabash. He also had six rebounds. Chase Haltom tossed in 10 points, connecting on 4-of-7 attempts, including two three-pointers.
Wabash was 21-of-54 from the field (39 percent). Not only did the Little Giants keep IUSB off the boards, they limited the Titans offense to 19 baskets and only one free throw. IUSB shot 29.7 percent from the field (19-of-64).
The Little Giants (1-1) return to action Tuesday night with a home contest against Hanover College. The opening tip is set for 7:30 p.m. at Chadwick Court.