ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Carroll men's basketball held a halftime lead and went toe-to-toe with Augustana throughout a fast-paced CCIW matchup on Saturday, but a strong second-half push by the Vikings handed the Pioneers an 80–73 road setback at the Carver PE Center.
Carroll (8–8, 3–4 CCIW) controlled long stretches of play, leading for over 25 minutes and taking a 36–33 advantage into the break. The Pioneers scored efficiently inside, finishing with 46 points in the paint, while also generating 11 second-chance points and 12 fast-break points. Despite the consistent interior production, Augustana shot 61.9% in the second half to overcome the deficit.
Michael McNabb powered Carroll offensively with a team-high 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, and six steals in a standout two-way performance. Lamar Smith delivered another reliable outing with 16 points, a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, and 10 rebounds, securing a double-double while contributing two assists and two steals.
Jacob Naber anchored the interior with a dominant 12-rebound, 10-point double-double of his own, including four offensive boards. Peyton McKenna added six points, and Evan Bland chipped in five points, four assists, and two steals to round out the starting group.
Off the bench, Dennis Estepp gave Carroll a spark with five points, three assists, and a pair of steals, while Jimmy Tarjan added six points and five rebounds. The Pioneer bench contributed 14 points overall.
Carroll's biggest push came midway through the first half, using defensive pressure and transition scoring to build its largest lead of seven at the 9:41 mark. Augustana, however, responded with timely shooting, finishing the night 47.4% from the field and 7-for-21 from three, ultimately outscoring Carroll 47–37 after halftime.
Despite the loss, the Pioneers' interior scoring, rebounding edge (43–32), and defensive activity showed strong signs as they continue through the CCIW slate, with their next tilt scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7pm as they travel to Naperville to take on North Central.
