BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's basketball team lost its 2009-10 season opener on Sunday afternoon, falling at No. 26 ranked Illinois Wesleyan University, 89-79. The Eagles (0-1) trailed by as much as 18 points in the first half and got to within four points midway through the second period, but could get no closer.

Senior forward Rob Bridgeman came off of the BU bench to score a team-leading 22 points, 15 of which cme in the first half. Bridgeman hit nine-of-13 shots from the field and was three-for-four from beyond the three-point arc. He also had two blocked shots.

Junior guard Cameron Snelling - who had just five first half points - finished the game with 18 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Junior forward Terry Licht, also a reserve, was perfect from the field by going four-for-four (and three, three-point baskets) and a total of 12 points as the third Eagles' player in double-digit scoring.

Sophomore point guard Nate Green had nine points, four asssits and two steals.

Illinois Wesleyan led by 12 at the intermission, 47-35. 

The Eagles will next be in action on Wednesday evening (Nov. 18/7:00 p.m.) at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill.