Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University men's basketball team dropped their second straight game, losing to the Wheaton Thunder. The Pioneers shot just 33.3%, 17.4% from the arc, and 16-23 from the free throw line. Kobe Simpson was the only Pioneer to find double-digit scoring tonight with 21 points. Kobe also led the Pios in rebounds and assists with 11 rebounds and three assists on the night.

The Pioneers (6-3, 1-2 CCIW) forced 13 turnovers, grabbed 36 rebounds, had six steals, and eight assists on the night. Tyler Miller gave the Pioneers seven points and four rebounds off the bench, along with Jacob Naber contributing five points and nine rebounds himself.

The two teams would start the game in defensive fashion with a turnover and steal each, which would set the pace for the rest of the game. As baskets were hard to come by on the night, Wheaton jumped out to a 2-5 lead just three minutes into the game. Eckahelo Simpson would score an and-one layup to tie the game 5-5 apiece. Both teams dug them heals in on defense and the game would remain within two points until 2:13 left in the half. Wheaton looked to gain some momentum going into the half as a three-pointer would give them a 19-23 lead. Carroll would look to keep the game close, but with 0:22 seconds to go in the half, Wheaton would score a layup to take a five-point advantage. Carroll's Josh Hudgens would respond with a layup of his own with just :03 on the clock to make it a one possession game going into the half.

Carroll was not happy with their play in the first half, looked to get things rolling in the right direction. The Thunder had different plans as they would take a 26-34 lead just two minutes into the second half. Carroll would look to gain some momentum to get back into the game, like they have some many times this year. However, Wheaton would remain strong and take an 11-point lead with 14:25 to go in the game forcing a Carroll timeout. The Pioneers would make several big shots looking for a critical run but were not able to string together enough stops and baskets. Carroll would eventually chip away at the lead cutting it to 54-56 with just 3:29 to go in the game. However, the Pioneer offensive struggles proved to be too much to make a comeback on the night. Evan Bland would make a layup with 0:30 to go in the game to cut it three-points again, but the Pioneers were forced to foul, and Wheaton would seal the game on the free throw line. Carroll would fall 62-69 to the Thunder.

The Pioneers are back at home on Saturday, December 9, to take on Millikin University at 4:15 PM.