Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University men's basketball team found their way back into the win column with a 91-86 overtime win over Concordia University of Wisconsin. Carroll gutted out the win, but shot just 39% from the field, and 38.9% from the arc. The Pioneers got to the line a decent amount going 17-22. Carroll had four double-digit scorers for the second straight game. Senior Tyler Miller had a career-high 20 points, along with junior Kobe Simpson contributing 20 points himself.

The Pioneers (4-1, 0-0 CCIW) continued to struggle at the beginning of the game and through gritty play were able to find their way back into the game once again. Throughout the game the Pioneers forced 11 turnovers, grabbed 31 rebounds (including 17 offensive rebounds), eight steals, and 19 assists on the night. Aaron Wafford had another solid night scoring 16 points, and going 4-8 from the arc, along with Lamar Smith who had a career-high himself with 11 points.

Kobe was able to hit a three-pointer to get the Pioneers going in the opening seconds of the half. Looking to flip the script from their previous games. However, the Falcons would have different plans and would get in a back-and-forth battle with Pioneers. Throughout the entirety of the first half neither team could separate within five-points of one another. This made for an intense first half. With :35 seconds to go in the half, Concordia would hit at three to take their largest lead of night at 35-42. The Falcons would shoot 58% in the first half and felt as though couldn't miss. Fortunately for Carroll they were able to hit seven first half three themselves to keep them within striking distance.

As expected, Taylor Jannsen got his guys ready for the second half battle as the Pioneers scored two quick baskets to make the score 39-42, just three minutes into the half. Concordia would look to keep their lead but just one-minute later, Eckahelo Simpson, who led the Pioneers in rebounding with eight, score a layup to tie the game 44-44. Erik Victorson would then hit a jumper to give the Pioneers their first lead since the 14:53 mark of the first half. The two teams would then both jockey for the lead until the Falcons were able to grab a 50-57 lead with 8:06 to go. Miller decided to take matters into his own hands drawing an and-one off a layup and then hitting one of his four three-pointers to bring it back to a one-possession game. Carroll would find themselves in another seven-point hole with just 3:58 on the clock. A pair of three throws from Smith and another Miller three would bring the game back to 68-70 with 3:23 left on the clock. Carroll would be able to string together a couple of stops. Kobe would then hit a three and make a layup to give Carroll a 73-72 lead with just 1:06 on the clock. The Falcons would answer, but Miller would answer the call again hitting a three-pointer to take a 76-74 lead with :33 seconds on the clock. The Falcons were able to draw a foul and tie the game at the charity stripe forcing overtime.

To start the five-minute overtime both teams would trade baskets and find themselves locked at 83-83 with just 2:37 left on the clock. A pair of Wafford free-throws would give the Pioneers an 87-84 lead with just :23 seconds left in the game. The Falcons would give one last shot and draw yet another foul. They would make both free throws to bring it within one. The Pioneers would finish the game making their last four free throws and walk away with a 91-86 victory.

The Pioneers are back at home this Tuesday, November 21, taking on Lake Forest College at 5:00 PM.