WAUKESHA, Wis. - Tanner Zaeske had a day to remember.
Zaeske, a 6-foot-3 junior guard/forward from South Milwaukee, Wis., scored 15 of his career-high 27 points in the second half as the Carroll University men's basketball team defeated Blackburn College 90-72 in the finale of its own season-opening Pioneer Tip-off Classic at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
It was the second consecutive nonconference home-court victory for Carroll, which won its fifth straight on Ted H. Baker Court dating back to last season.
The Pioneers led 43-40 at halftime and pulled away by outscoring Blackburn 47-32 in the final 20 minutes - including what proved to be a decisive 15-4 run over the course of a crucial, four-minute stretch.
Zaeske was a versatile force throughout the game, converting on both long-range shots and strong drives to the basket - highlighted by a basket from 3-point range on the right side of the perimeter to extend the lead to 67-56 with 9:51 remaining.
"It was one of the best games of my collegiate career," said Zaeske, who had a team-high five 3-point baskets, seven rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes. "After struggling last year by shooting only 30 percent from the 3-point line, I've really been working on my form this season. As an upperclassman, I didn't perform up to my expectations in the opener and really attempted to play up to my potential this time around. After hitting the first one, I continued to gain confidence with each shot and made the most of the situation. It was just a great feeling to contribute, finish on the opportunities and play a big part in the victory."
Zaeske was quick to point out that the team's second-half success centered around being aggressive and stepping up the intensity.
"We were a little slow at times in the first half, chatted about it at halftime and came out ready to give 110 percent the rest of the way," Zaeske said. "With having a physical mentality in practice as we prepare to face the bigger players in the College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin this season, there wasn't really any pressure to matchup with them. That's when we just played with a chip on our shoulder, asserted ourselves and did what we needed to do to get the job done."
Carroll showcased its experience and balance throughout the high-energy, physical battle with seven players scoring - including five in double digits.
Senior guard/forward Joel Heesch (Mauston, Wis.) contributed 11 of his 20 points in the first half for the Pioneers, who converted 11 baskets from 3-point range and 19 of 28 free throws. Sophomore guard Ben Widdes (Rice Lake, Wis.) followed with 14 points, team-best eight assists and six rebounds.
Senior guard Kyle Keranen (Hartland, Wis.) and sophomore forward/center Tyler Ingebrigtsen (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) each had 11 points.
Freshman Nick Penny (Lake Zurich, Ill.) provided a valuable spark off the bench with six points, two rebounds and an assist in 14 minutes played - highlighted by back-to-back 3-point baskets to extend the lead to 52-50 with 14:45 left.
Penny's second 3-pointer proved to be a critical turning point in the game as it ignited the decisive second half scoring surge for the Pioneers.
On the momentum-shifting shot, the 6-2 guard established position on the far left corner of the perimeter, took control of a quick pass, jumped high above a defender and nailed the long-range basket to set off an emotional reaction from the jubilant Carroll sideline.
The Pioneers outscored Blackburn 38-22 the rest of the way.
Carroll, which shot 55 percent from the field, outrebounded the Beavers 32-26 - including a key 11-5 margin on the offensive glass.
Carroll fourth-year head coach Paul Combs was pleased with the way his team maintained its intensity in the second half, responded to the pressure with some key baskets and closed the weekend with a positive, confidence-building victory.
"Blackburn was really impressive in the first half (shooting 71 percent from the field) so we really challenged the guys to come out, be more efficient and play strong, on-the-ball defense heading into the final 20 minutes," said Combs, whose team showcased an unselfish, uptemo style by finishing with 21 assists on its 30 field goals. "At that point, we did a nice job of responding to the situation, continued to play within the system and began to find our way by making some big, game-changing shots to spark the key runs down the stretch. 
"Looking back, it was a good start and I was very proud of the way both the players and coaching staff handled our first two games of the season. With three upcoming games on the road, we have a lot of work to do so this will only help in our preparation. This weekend made us a better basketball team."
Senior guard DeAndre Manuel scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Blackburn, which dropped to 2-1 overall. Senior guard Chris Davis chipped in 12 points, senior forward Willie Orange had 11 points and senior guard Jake Maestranzi added 10 points for the Beavers, who made six 3-pointers and shot 54 percent from the field.
Heesch, Manuel, sophomore guard Brandon Newman from St. Scholastica and sophomore guard/forward Adaku Anumu from Principia were selected to the all-tournament team during a brief awards presentation at the conclusion of the competition.
Keranen was honored as the Most Valuable Player, finishing with 31 points (including 14 of 15 free throws), eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Heesch ended the weekend with 29 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals to complete a standout 1-2 punch for the Pioneers.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: The Carroll University men's basketball team defeated Blackburn College 90-72 in the final round of its own Pioneer Tip-off Classic (sponsored by Nicholas Investments) at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
Scoring Leaders: Tanner Zaeske (27 points), Joel Heesch (20 points), Ben Widdes (14 points), Kyle Keranen (11 points), Tyler Ingebrigtsen (12 points), Nick Penny (6 points)
Rebound Leaders: Zaeske (7), Widdes (6), Tyler Ingebrigtsen (5)
Notable: The Pioneers made 11 baskets from 3-point range, converted 19 of 28 free throws and outscored Blackburn 47-32 in the second half - including a key 15-4 run over a crucial, four-minute stretch.

PIONEER TIP-OFF CLASSIC
First Round
Friday's Results
Blackburn 85, St. Scholastica 82
Carroll 75, Principia 57

Second Round
Saturday's Results
St. Scholastica 90, Principia 79
Carroll 90, Blackburn 72

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Senior guard/forward Joel Heesch (Carroll)
Sophomore guard Brandon Newman (St. Scholastica)
Sophomore guard/forward Adaku Anumu (Principia)
Senior guard DeAndre Manuel (Blackburn)

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Senior guard Kyle Keranen (Carroll)