Kenosha, Wis. – The Carroll University men's basketball team fell short against Carthage tonight, losing 57-69. The Pioneers had trouble finding an offense rhythm shooting 32.3%, 26.1% from three, and 57.9% from the free throw. Kobe Simpson was leading scorer for the Pioneers, scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds.

The Pioneers (10-7, 3-5 CCIW) forced 10 turnovers, grabbed 42 rebounds, and had seven assists in the contest. Aaron Wafford and Evan Bland both scored double digits with 15 and 12 points apiece. While senior Justin Steinike was the leading rebounder with nine boards and eight points himself.

Carroll looked to be continuing their offense streak early as they jumped out to an early 9-4 lead of five points from Kobe, a bucket from Wafford and a bucket from Eckahelo Simpson. Wafford was able to make another three-pointer taking an early 12-5 lead. Unfortunately for the Pioneers, they would stall at the 13:38 mark offensively. Carroll wouldn't score another basket until Jacob Naber found the back of the net with 7:01 to go in the half. The 6.5-minute drought allowed Carthage to go on a 16-0 run and take a 16-23 point lead. Carroll would look to close the gap but would only be able to score eight more points in the half and find themselves down 24-35 going into the half.

The Pioneers cut the lead to just five coming out of the half as Kobe and Steinike would make two three pointers a piece. Down 36-41 with 16:04 left to play Carroll had momentum on their side. The two teams would then battle back and forth until a Wafford jump shot would bring it within one possession for the first time since 10-minute mark of the first half. Carroll would continue to battle back, as Paradisio Dante would score a layup to tie the game at 54-54 with 8:28 to play. Kobe Simpson would take advantage by drawing a foul and making both free throws to give the Pioneers their first lead of the half. The Firebirds would be able to get back in a groove and piece together several stops,and find success offensively. Carroll would look to hang on, but Carthage would hit a dagger three pointer with 0:48 left on the clock to a 57-67 lead. Ultimately sealing the Pioneers fate. The Firebirds would make their free throws and walk away with a 57-69 victory.

Carroll is back at Van Male Fieldhouse for Alumni Day against Ill. Wesleyan on Saturday, January 20, at 4:15 PM.