Bloomington, Ill. – The Carroll University men's basketball team could not overcome #20 Illinois Wesleyan on the road. The Pioneers shot just 40.3% and 37% from the arc. The Pios were able to go 9-9 from the free throw line. Kobe Simpson led all Carroll scorers with 18 points on the night.

The Pioneers (6-2, 1-1 CCIW) forced 13 turnovers, grabbed 32 rebounds, had eight steals, three blocks, and 10 assists on the night. Aaron Wafford and Justin Steinike added 17 and 11 points, respectively. While Eckahelo Simpson led to team with six rebounds and added eight points himself.

Steinike opened the game with a three-pointer on the Pioneers opening possession, which sparked an offensive frenzy as both teams traded buckets. There were a total of 13 lead changes and five ties throughout the game. This was evident throughout the first half as the Titans would grab the largest lead of the game of four with 4:32 to go in the half. The following possession Jacob Naber would find himself wide open under the hoop, finishing with dunk to bring the score back to 24-26. Eckahelo would make an and-one layup to take a 27-26 lead with 1:28 left in the half. The Titans would end the half on a 5-0 run to take a 27-31 lead going into the half.
 
Illinois Wesleyan would take a early 27-33 lead out the gate, but another answer from Eckahelo as he would make three-pointer to bring the game back to a one possession game. Kobe would then make a layup to cut the lead down to one. The two teams would battle for control of the game, as Kobe would a pair of free throws to tie the game at 45-45 with 14:41 left to play. Carroll would then go on a drought offensively and the Titans would hit three straight threes to take nine-point advantage with 12:07 left in the game. Carroll would continue to struggle until Erik Victorson made a three-pointer of his own to end the 12-0 run by the Titans. The two teams would then continue to trade baskets and Carroll would not be able to put together a run of their own to get back into the game. The costly mid-half stretch proved to be too much against a physical Illinois Wesleyan team and the Pioneers would drop their first CCIW game 69-79.

The Pioneers are back at home hosting their first CCIW game of the year on Wednesday, December 6, to take on Wheaton College at 7:00 PM.