BLOOMINGTON - Illinois Wesleyan's 72.8 points per game kept the Titans in most College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin basketball games last season.

IWU's 77.6 points allowed in CCIW play led directly to a seventh-place finish and 5-9 league record.

"That's the whole key," Wesleyan coach Ron Rose said Wednesday. "We've got really skilled offensive players. For us to be successful, we've got to be a better defensive team, one of the top defensive teams in the conference."

Motivation to shore up the defense comes from a disappointing 13-12 season and lowly CCIW standing.

"As a team, we need to buy into playing tough defense all the time. We need to realize every possession counts," said guard Sean Dwyer, the lone senior on the roster. "I won't be appeased until we start winning games because of our defense. I see the potential, but we need to do it."

While Dwyer will likely come off the bench, four starters return in juniors Travis Rosenkranz, Sean Johnson and Doug Sexauer and sophomore John Koschnitzky.

"We've brought a different mentality, more of a veteran approach," Sexauer said. "Last year it was we'll go out there and play. This year it's we'll go out there and win.

"We've got some of the best players in the conference. It's a matter of getting us to play together, work hard together and utilizing our talents in the right way."

A developing post player, the 6-foot-7 Sexauer led the Titans in scoring (12.5) and rebounding (5.5) last season.

Sexauer is supported inside by 6-6 junior Edmond O'Callaghan, 6-7 junior Duncan Lawson and 6-9 sophomore Ryan Connolly. The 6-6 Koschnitzky could play in the post or on a wing.

"Those four and John will be able to battle in the post area," said Rose. "As the season goes on, we hope that becomes a strength."

Similarly deep in the backcourt, Johnson averaged 11.7 points last season and Rosenkranz 11.1. Sophomore Jordan Zimmer shot 51 percent from 3-point range while chipping in 8.4 off the bench.

"Our goal from our freshman year was to win the CCIW championship. We took a little step back last year," Rosenkranz said. "That's our ultimate goal again."

Johnson hopes the Titans can revive an electric atmosphere and standing room only crowds to Shirk Center.

"No question the first thing we need to accomplish is bringing the fans back," said Johnson. "We want to show them last year was kind of a fluke. The way this team is working and the talent we have, the sky is the limit for this team. All the pieces are in the gym as long as we come every day wanting to get better."

The Titans play their first six games at home, beginning with the Nov. 15 season opener against Benedictine.

Titan men

Coach: Ron Rose, 4th year (3-year record 40-37)

2008-09 record: 13-12 (5-9 in CCIW)

RETURNING STARTERS

Sean Johnson, G, 6-1, Jr; Travis Rosenkranz, G, 6-0, Jr.; Doug Sexauer, F, 6-7, Jr.; John Koschnitzky, F, 6-6, So.

OTHER RETURNEES

Sean Dwyer, G, 5-10, Sr.; Matt Schick, G-F, 6-4, Jr.; Edmond O'Callaghan, F-C, 6-6, Jr.; Duncan Lawson, F, 6-7, Jr.; Eliud Gonzalez, G, 5-9, So.; Stephen Rudnicki, G, 6-3, So.; Sean Seibring, G, 6-2, So.; Jordan Zimmer, G, 6-5, So.; Dexter Walker, F, 6-5, So.; Ryan Connolly, C, 6-9, So.; Eric McCullough, C, 6-9, So.; Dan Schouten, F, 6-5, So.

NEWCOMERS

Tyler Bontemps, F, 6-4, So; Bradley Ghere, G, 5-11, Fr.; Dan Oswald, G, 6-2, Fr.; Luke Radliff, F, 6-6, Fr.; Kevin Reed, F, 6-7, Fr.

SEASON OPENER

Nov. 15-Benedictine, 3 p.m.