WMBD/WYZZ-TV - BLOOMINGTON -- Nobody is underestimating Illinois Wesleyan this time.

Four months after being picked seventh in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin preseason poll, the second-seeded IWU Titans are hoping to capture the conference tournament title. IWU (15-10, 9-5) plays third-seeded Wheaton in the CCIW semifinals Friday night.

"I think we can do it," said IWU freshman guard Sean Johnson. "But we have to play together, play defense and not turn the ball over. It's what we've done all year."

The young Titans surprised everyone in the conference with a second place finish. Now they want to prove to people they're no fluke.

"It's time for the postseason," said IWU senior forward Darius Gant who was named first team all-conference Tuesday. "Nobody wants to be one and our."

If IWU beats Wheaton (19-6, 9-5) Friday it will play in Saturday night's CCIW championship against the winner of the Augustana-Elmhurst game. Augustana is the top seed and tournament host.

The IWU Lady Titans are the top seed in the CCIW womens tournament which begins Friday at the Shirk Center. IWU opens tournament play against Elmhurst at 6 p.m.