CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — Wabash College opened its home schedule in emphatic fashion Wednesday night, racing to a 55-point first half and never looking back in an 85–68 victory over in-state rival Rose-Hulman at Chadwick Court.
Wabash (2–0) buried 10 first-half three-pointers, controlled the glass, and saw four players score in double figures in a wire-to-wire win that showcased the team's offensive depth and defensive energy. Sophomore Gavin Schippert powered the effort inside, finishing with 13 points and nine rebounds — just missing a double-double.
Wabash took command immediately, erupting for a 10–0 run in the opening 2:30 behind a Schippert tip-in, a Luke Ellspermann transition three, and two early baskets from guard Josh Whack. After Rose-Hulman momentarily cut the margin to five at 12–7, Wabash answered with an 16–2 surge sparked by red-hot perimeter shooting.
Colton Stowers knocked down a three from the left wing, Nate Matelic added a fast-break triple moments later, and Whack continued to push the pace, scoring on a pair of driving layups. Stowers then added a second-chance three with 3:39 left in the half, and Wabash closed the period with a 13–2 run, punctuated by a Stowers corner three with four seconds remaining to build a commanding 55–30 halftime lead.
The Little Giants shot 56.8 percent in the opening period — including 10-of-17 from beyond the arc — and forced seven turnovers that led directly to fast-break points.
Wabash stretched the margin to 30 when Stowers hit a pull-up jumper to open the second half, and Schippert drilled a right-wing three to push the lead to 65–36 with just under 17 minutes to play. Rose-Hulman (0–1) responded with its best stretch of the night, using a 9–0 run midway through the half to trim the deficit to 75–54, but could draw no closer.
Stowers led Wabash with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including four three-pointers. Whack added 10 points and four assists, while Matelic scored 12 off the bench. Keegan Manowitz distributed five assists in 26 productive minutes. The Little Giants hit 51 percent of their shots for the game and finished with a 42–29 rebounding advantage.
Joey Schmitz scored a game-high 20 points for Rose-Hulman, which shot 27-of-63 from the field and 5-of-19 from deep.
Wabash heads to Franklin College for a Wednesday night matchup on November 19.
