WHEATON, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team will be back in action on Wednesday, January 31 when they take on the Wheaton Thunder for the second time this season.

Augustana sits with a 6-14 overall record and 3-8 mark in conference play, recently falling in a close battle to first-place Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday by a score of 64-60. The two teams traded baskets to begin the game before the Titans snagged the game's first multi-possession lead at 12-7 nine minutes in. Augie responded with a 9-0 scoring run over the span of the next four-plus minutes to claim the advantage before a quick 5-0 spurt from the home team moved it back in their favor. A three-pointer from Zach Anderson and a late basket from Mike Hamilton pulled the Vikings within two at the break.

Augustana hung around a single possession for the first two minutes of the second half, but Illinois Wesleyan stretched its cushion out to the largest differential of the game of 11 with 14 minutes remaining. The Vikings fought back, facing multiple double-digit holes before cutting it down to five on two separate occasions. With four minutes remaining, Augie got closer on an Evan Ambrose jumper, but again the Titans stretched their separation back out to five for the first of three more two-possession leads down the stretch. The Vikings made it back to a single possession several instances, with the latest coming on a three from Dani Romero with 10 seconds left to bring them within two, but the Titans sealed the game with two made free throws to bring the game to its final 64-60 score. Anderson finished with a team high 11 points to lead the Vikings, while Chase Larsen notched 10 points. Hamilton ended his night with eight points and seven boards.

Wheaton enters Wednesday with a 4-15 overall record and 3-7 mark in the CCIW. The Thunder were recently defeated by Illinois Wesleyan last Wednesday on the road by a score of 73-64. Wheaton led by eight at half, but a big second half from the Titans led to Thunder's third straight defeat. Wheaton is 2-6 at home this season and are led by four players who average double figures in scoring. Nate Sock sits atop the team with 13.5 points per outing.

Augie is 79-70 all-time vs. Wheaton, recently stopping a three-game losing skid against the Thunder with a 67-64 win at home back on January 3. Tyler Knuth led all scorers with 20 points.

Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m. from King Arena.