Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University men's basketball team loses 58-71 in the final five minutes against the Wheaton Thunder. The Pios shot 43.6% from the field. However, 16 turnovers in the game, four in the final five minutes hurt the Pios. Aaron Wafford had a career-high for the second straight game with 23 points to lead the Pios in scoring.

The Pioneers (4-13, 1-7 CCIW) started off the first seven minutes of the game trading baskets with Wheaton. With 13:53 seconds left in the first half Wheaton went on a 12-0 run to push their lead to 16 with 7:16 to go in the first half. The Pios were ready for a defensive test against the #8 team in country, as they forced 14 turnovers, which in turn led to six fast break points. The Pios were able to come up with nine steals led by Wafford and Kobe Simpson.

With five minutes to go in first half Carroll was able to chip away at a 15 point gap and bring the game within seven going into the half 25-32. At the start of the second half Wheaton quickly pushed the lead back to 12, until Wafford went on his own 6-0 run to cut lead down to six. The Pios closed the gap to two after Wafford made yet another three, and Josh Hudgens made a layup and got fouled to make it a three-point play. Hudgens would then draw a charge on the denfensive end of the floor, which in turn led to Evan Bland getting a layup to cut the lead to 44-46 with 10:54 left in the game. With 7:55 to go in the game, Carroll tried to make one more push for the lead, as Wafford hit a jump shot to cut the lead to four. However, Wheaton was able to pull away in the final minutes winning the game 58-71.

The Pios look to start the second half of conference play with a win on January 25, against Carthage College at 7 PM in Kenosha, Wis.