DECATUR, Ill. – Carroll men's basketball made the long trek to Decatur, Ill. On Saturday afternoon, falling to the Big Blue of Millikin university by a score of 81-66. Carroll did not lead after the first minute of play, as Millikin (8-4, 2-1 CCIW) shot 63 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three. Carroll (4-9, 0-4 CCIW) struggled from the field, shooting under 41 percent, but found success scoring beyond the arc, shooting over 39 percent with nine made threes. Carroll was out-rebounded by Millikin 30-23, but more than doubled the Big Blue's efforts on the offensive glass, corralling nine o-boards to Millikin's four. 

The game's leading scorer was senior Erik Victorson, who continued his good shooting season in the fashion of 23 point on five made threes. Joining Victorson in double-figures was junior forward Jacob Naber, who contributed 12 points in the paint. 

Carroll made the first basket of the game, their only lead of the contest. The two teams traded baskets for much of the first 10 minutes, but the Bib Blue rattled off a 12-1 run spanning over five minutes and found themselves down by 15. The Pioneers battled back to close the half, going into the break trailing 36-26 and staying within striking distance. 

The Big Blue came out of the break with a quick 5-0 spurt, forcing a Pio timeout. Carroll's offense finally found a rhythm as they responded with a 13-5 and a three from Aaron Wafford cut the deficit to single digits. Millikin responded and stretched the lead once again, as Carroll continued to make baskets, but Millikin responded to stifle any chances of a Pioneer comeback. 

Carroll returns to action after a much needed week off when they host Wheaton College (Ill.) on Saturday, January 11 for another CCIW matchup. Saturday's game will also be 2025 Men's and Women's Basketball alumni day. A day full of alumni festivities will be capped off with a 4:15 tip-off of the men's game inside Van Male Fieldhouse.