ANDERSON, Ind. — Rich Brooks poured in a career-high 28 points — his fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points — and sparked multiple momentum-shifting runs as Wabash College pulled away in the second half for a 96-88 non-conference men's basketball victory at Anderson University on Saturday afternoon at O.C. Lewis Gym.
 
The Little Giants leaned on Brooks' perimeter shooting and timely defensive stops to navigate a tightly contested first half before seizing control after the break. Wabash shot 66.7% from the field in the second half and repeatedly turned Anderson turnovers into transition points to improve to 6-3 on the season.
 
The opening 20 minutes were marked by constant swings. Anderson (4-7) built an early six-point cushion midway through the half, using an 8-0 run to go ahead 28-22 with 10 minutes remaining. Wabash responded behind Colton Stowers and Nate Matelic, who combined for baskets in the paint and off turnovers to pull the Little Giants back within one.
 
Neither team could sustain separation. The half featured eight lead changes and 10 ties, with Anderson briefly edging ahead at the free-throw line late. Wabash closed strong, however, as Gavin Schippert converted a putback in the final 30 seconds to force a 41-41 tie at intermission.
 
Wabash carried that momentum into the second half. Stowers opened the scoring with a fast-break layup before Brooks knocked down consecutive three-pointers, pushing the Little Giants in front 51-45 less than three minutes in. Anderson answered to keep the margin narrow, but Wabash continued to deliver timely responses.
 
A pivotal 7-0 Wabash run midway through the half gave the Little Giants breathing room. Matelic scored twice in the paint before Brooks buried another three-pointer to make it 67-62 with just under 12 minutes to play.
 
The decisive stretch came late. With the score tied at 76-76, Brooks drilled back-to-back three-pointers to ignite a 9-2 run that put Wabash ahead 85-78. Matelic followed with consecutive baskets — including a fast-break finish — as the Little Giants stretched the lead to 92-82 with 2:50 remaining.
 
Anderson closed within seven in the final minute, but Wabash sealed the outcome at the foul line, converting six of its final eight free throws to maintain control down the stretch.
 
Brooks finished 8-of-10 from the field and 7-of-8 from three-point range to lead all scorers. Matelic added a career-high 24 points, while Stowers chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds. Luke Ellspermann scored 11 points, and Deric Cannady contributed seven points and four steals.
 
Wabash shot 56.7% overall and 42.9% from beyond the arc, outscoring Anderson 55-47 in the second half. The Little Giants also turned 20 Anderson turnovers into 18 points.
 
Bryce Williams led Anderson with 26 points, while Rob Davidson added 17. The Ravens shot 51.6% from the field but could not slow Wabash's shooting and execution during the final eight minutes.
 
Wabash will play in a two-day invitational hosted by Centre College December 29 and 30. The Little Giants open against Berea College on December 29 at 4 p.m. before facing the host Colonels on December 30 at 3 p.m.