WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University men's basketball opened conference play with a thrilling 81–78 victory over North Park Wednesday night at Van Male Fieldhouse. The Pioneers improved to 4–3 overall and 1–0 in the CCIW with the win.

Carroll led 42–40 at halftime after shooting 50.0% from the field and 46.2% from three in the opening period. The Pioneers overcame a seven-point deficit with 6:17 remaining and sealed the game when Peyton McKenna drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer off an assist from Lamar Smith.

Michael McNabb paced Carroll with a career-high 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including two threes and 8-for-10 at the line, adding five rebounds and two assists. Smith contributed 20 points and nine rebounds, while McKenna finished with nine points and four assists. Jacob Naber added eight points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Carroll shot 45.5% (30-of-66) from the floor, 40.0% (8-of-20) from three, and 72.2% (13-of-18) at the stripe.

Defensively, the Pioneers forced 13 turnovers and converted them into 20 points. Carroll dominated inside with 42 points in the paint, added 11 second-chance points, and held a 41–35 advantage on the glass.

North Park (4–2, 0–1) was led by Michael Vuckovic with 16 points and five assists, while Julian Campbell posted 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Vikings shot 40.9% overall, 35.3% from three, and 92.3% at the line but couldn't hold off Carroll's late surge.

Carroll returns to action Saturday, Dec. 6, traveling to face Carthage in Kenosha. Tip-off is set for 4:15 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's game.