WHEATON, Ill. - Carroll fell in a thrilling CCIW road contest, 85–84 to Wheaton (IL) at King Arena on Wednesday night. The Pioneers erased a 16-point first-half deficit and nearly completed the comeback, but ultimately fell just short.

Wheaton led 48–37 at halftime, shooting 60.7% from the field in the opening period. Carroll responded with a 47-point second half, fueled by relentless attacks in the paint and a balanced scoring effort. The Pioneers finished the night shooting 52.9% from the floor and outscored the Thunder 62–40 in points in the paint.

Michael McNabb led Carroll with 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting, adding two assists and two steals. Lamar Smith scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Jacob Naber posted a double-double with 10 points and nine boards. Dennis Estepp added 11 points, and Evan Bland chipped in 10.

Carroll's defense forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 15 points, while also generating 18 fast-break points. The Pioneers' bench contributed 11 points, and the team tallied 20 assists on 36 made field goals.

Wheaton was led by Soren Richardson with 25 points and Carson Grier with 17. The Thunder made 17-of-22 free throws, which proved to be a difference-maker in the tight contest.

With the loss, Carroll moves to 6–7 overall and 1–3 in CCIW play. The Pioneers return home for their next conference matchup against Millikin this Saturday at Van Male Fieldhouse at 4:15 pm as they will be looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat.