Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University men's basketball team gifted themselves a 87-66 victory over Lakeland heading into the holiday break. The Pioneers shot 51.6%, 50% from three, and 68.4% from the free throw line. Sophomore Jacob Naber led the way for the Pioneers scoring 19 points, securing six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.

The Pioneers (8-4, 1-3 CCIW) forced 12 turnovers, grabbed 43 rebounds, had five steals, and 15 assists in the contest. Justin Steinike added a season-high with 18-points, making five three-pointers in the process. Aaron Wafford and Eckahelo Simpson added 16 and 12 points each, respectively. While Kobe Simpson led the team with four assists.  

Carroll found themselves in a dog fight early on as each team was scoring with ease. A Tyler Miller layup, followed by a Steinike three would give the Pioneers a 14-10 lead six minutes into the game. Lakeland would look to respond and would do so, as with 9:54 to go in the half, the two teams would find themselves interlocked at 23-23. The Pioneers would finally settle in defensively and gradually started to pull away from the Muskies. With Just 4:18 to go, Eckahelo would make a layup to give the Pioneers their first double-digit advantage of the game. Carroll would then go on a 10-0 run to push the lead out to 17 with just 0:22 seconds remaining in the half. Lakeland would score on a three-point play to go into the half down 47-33.

Coming out of the half, the Muskies looked to get back into the game cutting the lead to 10 just five minutes into the half. Carroll responded with a 7-0 run of their own to take a 63-46 lead with 13:06 to play. The Pioneers would hold onto their double-digit lead for the remainder of the game not looking back. With 4:00 left in the game Naber would find himself a dunk to give the Pioneers their first 20-point lead of the game and allow the Pioneers to close out the game with a 21-point victory.

The Pioneers are on the road taking on MSOE on Saturday, December 30, at 3:15 PM.