CHICAGO, Ill. - Senior guard Kyle Keranen (Hartland, Wis.) nailed a game-winning, baseline 3-point basket with 1.5 seconds remaining as the Carroll University men's basketball team upset No. 18-ranked and previously unbeaten North Park University 84-81 in a nail-biting College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin showdown Saturday night.
It was the first conference victory of the season for Carroll, which improved to 1-1 in the conference standings and 5-2 overall.
The emotional, pressure-packed victory took on added significance from an historical perspective as it was the Pioneers' first in the CCIW since re-joining the prestigious, high-powered league after a 24-year absence.
On the dramatic game-winning sequence, sophomore guard Ben Widdes (Rice Lake, Wis.) had possession at midcourt, quickly drove to his right and made a quick pass to junior guard/forward Tanner Zaeske (South Milwaukee, Wis.).
Zaeske, who was working back across the court, quickly took control of the ball, eluded two trapping defenders and dished it off to a wide open Keranen on the far left corner of the perimeter.
Moments later, Keranen squared up and delivered the high-arcing winning basket to set off a loud, jubilant celebration.
North Park senior guard Juwan Henry attempted a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer but it missed wide to the right.
Zaeske equalled both his season and career-high with 27 points - including six 3-pointers - and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Carroll, which showcased its composure as it overcame a 15-point first-half deficit and led 44-43 at halftime.
Keranen contributed 17 points with three 3-pointers, four assists and two steals for the Pioneers, who converted 10 3-point baskets and 18 of 23 free throws. Sophomore forward/center Tyler Ingebrigtsen (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) followed with 12 points, freshman guard Nick Penny (Lake Zurich, Ill.) chipped in 11 points and Widdes had nine points.
Sophomore guard Ray Pierce (Milwaukee, Wis.) and freshman guard/forward Charlie Soule (Oregon, Wis.) each added four points.
Carroll, which shot 57 percent from field-goal range, outrebounded the Vikings 29-28 in the contest - maintaining a 25-20 advantage on the defensive glass. The Pioneers scored 36 points in the paint.
Henry scored a team-high 22 points for North Park, which dropped to 2-1 in conference and 6-1 overall. Junior guard Colin Lake and junior forward Jordan Robinson each had 17 points for the Vikings, who shot 52 percent from the field, converted eight 3-pointers and made 15 of 28 free throws.
