WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University Men's basketball team pulled away in the second half to claim their first CCIW win. The Pios had four double-digit scorers to help lift them to a 72-66 victory over the Firebirds. Aaron Wafford led the Pioneers with 14 points on 5-10 shooting, making four three-pointers on the night.

The Pioneers (4-9, 1-3 CCIW) shot 40.0% from the field and made 15-21 free throws throughout the game. Carroll started off shooting 53.8% from the arc in the first half to keep them in the game, as the half ended 34-34. The Pioneers were able to secure 41 rebounds on the night, which was led by Kobe Simpson grabbing 8. Carroll was able to force 15 turnovers, which led to 10 fast break points. Tyler Miller added eight points on two made three-pointers and a pair of free throws, to lead the Carroll bench points, which produced 18 points on the night.

Carroll started the game on an 8-0 run, from a Wafford three to open the game. This was followed by an Eckahelo Simpson paint shot.  Eckahelo then stole the ball and hit Justin Steinike for another three-point shot, giving the Pios an 8-0 lead. The Firebirds gave their best attempt to take control of the game after they took a 42-46 lead with 12:42 minutes to go.  Eckahelo and Paradisio Dante both made a pair of layups to tie the game 46-46 with 11:01 to go in the second half. From there on Carroll and Carthage started trading baskets for the remainder of the game. Then with 34 seconds to go, the Pios were able to seal the game with free throws.  Eckahelo made a pair and  Steinike went 4-4 from the line in the last 30 seconds to help ice the game; leading Carroll to their first CCIW win of the season.

Carroll hits the road for the first CCIW road game since December 17, visiting Augustana College on Sunday, January 8 at 4:15 PM.