ELMHURST, Ill. — Carroll men's basketball closed the 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 95–85 loss at Elmhurst on Tuesday night at R.A. Faganel Hall, as the Bluejays pulled away late in a game that featured 11 lead changes and seven ties.
Carroll shot an efficient 50.8 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range, but Elmhurst's ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive. The Bluejays converted 31 of 37 free throws, including 26 in the second half, to seal the victory.
Senior Michael McNabb capped his Carroll career with a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 36 points on 12-of-20 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also went 6-for-7 at the free-throw line and logged nearly 34 minutes in the finale. McNabb scored 18 of his points in the second half as Carroll repeatedly answered Elmhurst runs.
Lamar Smith added 18 points and seven rebounds, continuing a strong senior season in the post. Jacob Naber chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, while Dennis Estepp provided a spark off the bench with five points, including a key three during the first half.
Carroll opened the game with confidence, knocking down five three-pointers in the first half and building a 10-point lead midway through the period. The Pioneers led for nearly 19 minutes overall and held Elmhurst to a one-point advantage at halftime, trailing 45–44 after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes.
The second half saw both teams trade baskets and momentum, with neither side able to create separation until the final stretch. Carroll tied the game at 70-70 with just over five minutes remaining and again at 71-71 following free throws from Smith. Elmhurst responded by stringing together stops and capitalizing at the line, using a late run to push the margin to double digits in the final two minutes.
Despite the loss, Carroll finished the night with 42 points in the paint, 12 fast-break points, and a solid defensive effort on the glass, matching Elmhurst with 27 rebounds. The difference came down to second-half free throws and bench production, as Elmhurst outscored Carroll 24–9 off the bench.
The loss brings Carroll's season to a close with a 12–14 overall record, marking the end of the careers of several key contributors. The Pioneers showed growth throughout the year, highlighted by strong conference performances, individual accolades, and competitive play down the stretch.
