Eagles hosting Panthers Saturday
 
COMPLETE USI-KWUC GAME NOTES
 
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The ninth-ranked University of Southern Indiana men's basketball team concludes the 2013 calendar year by hosting Kentucky Wesleyan College (6-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday for the final non-conference game on the schedule.
 
Game coverage for the second round of the "Battle for the Bridge" series in 2013-14, including live stats and audio links, is available at gousieagles.com. The USI games also can be heard on ESPN 106.7FM and WPSR 90.7FM.
 
The Screaming Eagles (7-0) are coming off a strong showing in the Bellarmine University Classic, posting a 98-66 victory over Ohio Valley University and a 102-80 triumph over Virginia Union University. USI was led in scoring during the neutral site trip by senior forward Aaron Nelson (Chicago Heights, Illinois), who had 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
 
The victories allowed the Eagles to keep pace nationally and remain ninth in the NABC/Division II Top 25 poll. Bellarmine and Drury University joined USI in the top 25 poll, ranking second and third, respectively, for the second-straight week.
 
USI Men's Basketball Notes versus KWC:
 
Eagles and Panthers in the "Battle for the Bridge". USI leads the all-time "Battle for the Bridge" series, 14-9, since it was created in 2000-01. Prior to the creation of the "Battle for the Bridge" trophy, the teams clashed for the rights to control the "Spirit Can," a trash can painted half purple and white and half red and white. 

USI looking for season sweep of KWC. The Eagles are hoping to complete the season sweep of Kentucky Wesleyan College and win their third-straight over the Panthers at the Physical Activities Center. USI opened the 2013-14 with a 70-61 win at the Sportscenter in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Panthers on the prowl. After a slow start, the KWC Panthers have been on the prowl with five-straight victories. KWC plays Saint Joseph's College Wednesday night in Owensboro before making the trek to Evansville.

Wischmeier and Thomas lead the way versus the Panthers. Senior forward Taylor Wischmeier and senior guard Lawrence Thomas will be playing in their ninth and seventh games against the Panthers. Wischmeier has become a thorn in the Panthers' paw the last four meetings, averaging 10.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per contest. Thomas also has had the Panthers' number with 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in six match-ups with KWC.

Eagles are 7-0 again. USI is 7-0 for the third time in the last five years and the ninth time in the history of the program.

Nelson and Eagles leading the nation in rebounding. The Screaming Eagles lead the nation in rebound margin with a 46.7-28.3 advantage over its opponents. Senior forward Aaron Nelson also leads the NCAA Division II with 13.9 rebounds per contest and 97 total rebounds.

Nelson among the top four nationally in rebounds. Senior forward Aaron Nelson ranks fourth in rebounding among all three NCAA divisions. David Falk from NCAA III Eastern Mennonite University leads the way with 14.4 rebounds per contest, while Nate Howard from NCAA III Keene State College is clearing the glass at a 14.1 rebound rate. The University of Nevada-Las Vegas' Roscoe Smith is tied with Howard for second with 14.1 rebounds per game.

Nelson has opponents seeing double. Senior forward Aaron Nelson has a GLVC-best seven double-doubles this season. The seven double-doubles also ranks third in the NCAA Division II and is one shy of the USI record of eight set by Chris Bowles to start the 1991-92 season. Bowles went on to post a USI record 18 double-doubles that season.

Eagles dominate Bellarmine Classic. USI rose to 9-1 all-time in the Bellarmine Classic with a 98-66 win over Ohio Valley University and a 102-80 win over Virginia Union University. Senior forward Aaron Nelson led the way with 17 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while senior forward Chuck Jones came off the bench to post 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.

Career-highs. Senior forward Manny Ogunfolu dropped in a career-high and Bellarmine Classic-best 20 points in the win over Virginian Union. Senior forward Chuck Jones followed Ogunfolu with a career-best 19 points in the win over Ohio Valley.

Eagles dominated the boards in Louisville. USI dominated the battle of the boards last weekend, 52.5 -32.0.

Non-conference foes have tough going against USI. USI has started the year with a seven of non-conference wins and is 184-20 (.902) against non-GLVC teams during the last 21 seasons. Of the 20 losses, two have come in the NCAA Division II Tournament Finals and three in the NCAA II Great Lakes Regional.