WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Carroll University men's basketball team lost to high-powered North Central College 73-54 in a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin game at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
It was the second frustrating conference loss of the week for Carroll, which dropped to 0-4 in the league standings and 4-9 overall with the Alumni Day effort.
The Pioneers were outscored 41-17 in what proved to be a decisive first half, including a momentum-shifting 21-2 run over the course of a key eight-minute stretch.
Junior forward Tyler Ingebrigtsen (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) scored a team-high 12 points for Carroll, which converted 18 of 21 free throws, two baskets from 3-point range and shot 31.5 percent from field-goal range. Freshman guard Ryan Clarey (Pewaukee, Wis.) contributed an individual season-high 11 points.
Senior guard Joel Heesch (Mauston, Wis.) followed with seven points and freshman forward Alec Hamilton (Hartland, Wis.) added six points.
The Pioneers were without junior guard Troy Howat (Plainfield, Ill.) who missed the game with illness and injured junior guard Ray Pierce (Milwaukee, Wis.).
"We got off to a good start but North Central just asserted itself, went on a big run midway through the first half and took control," said Carroll fifth-year head coach Paul Combs, whose team trailed 14-12 after the opening nine minutes. "Their two seniors (referring to North Central guard Erwin Henry and forward Alex Sorenson) were really locked in and seemed to capitalize on every opportunity. That, combined with the terrific effort of sophomore forward Connor Raridon, made the difference. They showcased their talent, took advantage of the situation and made us play from behind.
"Obviously, we've been battling through adversity created from injuries and sickness but make no excuses. It's life and comes with the territory in the world of college basketball. We just need to keep putting our best foot forward and continue to grind. This team has a history of being resilient so we're just gonna stay positive and keep fighting each step of the way."
Henry scored a game-high 19 points with four 3-pointers to lead defending CCIW Tournament champion North Central, which improved to 3-2 in conference and 9-4 overall. Sorenson, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward and D3hoops.com preseason All-American, registered a double-double with 16 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Cardinals, who made eight 3-pointers, 11 of 18 free throws and shot 49.1 percent from the field.  
Raridon, who also earned preseason All-American honors, added eight points, six rebounds and five assists for North Central, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament last year.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: The Carroll University men's basketball team lost to North Central College 73-54 in a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin game at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
Record: 0-4 in conference and 4-9 overall
Scoring Leaders: Tyler Ingebrigtsen (12 points), Ryan Clarey (11 points), Joel Heesch (7 points), Alec Hamilton (6 points)
Rebounds: Nick Penny (6), Kale Maupin (5), Ingebrigtsen (4), Hamilton (4)
Notable: The Pioneers were outscored 41-17 in what proved to be a decisive first half, including a momentum-shifting 21-2 run over the course of a key eight-minute stretch.