MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Carroll University men's basketball team lost to high-powered NCAA Division I Big East Conference contender Marquette University 87-44 in a season-opening exhibition game at the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.
The matchup had historical significance as it was the first collegiate contest played in the new facility and renewed a rivalry dating back to the 1916-17 season.
Despite struggling from the perimeter early on, Marquette outscored the Pioneers 41-22 in the momentum-shifting first half - propelled by 10 unanswered points in the closing minutes.
Sacar Anim scored a game-high 17 points for Marquette, which made six baskets from 3-point range, 17 of 26 free throws and outrebounded the Pioneers 39-24 - maintaining a 32-17 advantage on the defensive glass. Ed Morrow followed with 16 points, Markus Howard had 11 points and Sam Hauser finished with 10 points for the Golden Eagles, who were making their home-court debut in the 17,500-seat venue.
Senior forward Tyler Ingebrigtsen (Elk Grove, Ill.) contributed a respectable team-high 11 points, two rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes to lead Carroll, which made 9 of 17 free throws, five baskets from 3-point range and shot 30 percent from field-goal range.
Senior guard Troy Howat (Plainfield, Ill.) followed with five points, scoring the first official points in the new arena on a jump shot with 19:08 remaining in the first half.
Sophomore guard Justin Gruber (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) chipped in four points with senior guard Ray Pierce (Milwaukee, Wis.) and sophomore guard Ryan Clarey (Pewaukee, Wis.) each adding three points for Division III Carroll, which used 19 players in the valuable learning effort.