ELMHURST, Ill. – The Carroll University men's basketball team dropped an 81–69 decision on the road to Elmhurst on Wednesday night at R.A. Faganel Hall, despite a strong first half and multiple efficient performances in the paint.

Carroll opened the game with confidence, shooting 50.0 percent from the field in the first half and trading leads throughout an evenly contested opening 20 minutes. The Pioneers built a brief early advantage and maintained consistent pressure inside, finishing the half with 44 points and taking a 44–43 lead into the locker room. The first half featured 10 ties and 21 lead changes, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of the contest.

Elmhurst took control early in the second half, using a balanced offensive attack and timely perimeter shooting to create separation. The Bluejays outscored Carroll 38–25 after the break, shooting 41.9 percent in the second half while converting at a high rate from the free-throw line. Carroll struggled to regain momentum offensively, shooting 28.6 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes.

Michael McNabb led Carroll with 21 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Jacob Naber continued his efficient play inside, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Lamar Smith recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Evan Bland chipped in 11 points, including a pair of three-pointers.

Carroll finished the night shooting 40.3 percent from the field and held a slight edge in points in the paint, 34–32, but Elmhurst won the rebounding battle 45–38 and went 19-for-25 at the free-throw line to seal the result.

Carroll moves to 12–12 overall and 7–8 in CCIW play and will continue conference action later this week, as they host Carthage on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.