Travis, Chase
Aubrey Staton
61
Wheaton (IL) WHEIL 1-5,0-1 CCIW
67
Winner Millikin MIL-U 3-4,1-0 CCIW
Wheaton (IL) WHEIL
1-5,0-1 CCIW
61
Final
67
Millikin MIL-U
3-4,1-0 CCIW
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Wheaton (IL) WHEIL 29 32 61
Millikin MIL-U 29 38 67

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Morgan Vogels

Men's Basketball Wins Conference Opener over Wheaton

The Big Blue men's basketball team matched up against the Thunder of Wheaton College on Wednesday, November 29 on their home court in Decatur, Ill. for their 2023-24 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin opener. After already falling in three close contests to begin the season, the Big Blue proved victorious over the Thunder in a 67-61 game to start off CCIW play 1-0.

In a game scored at 29 apiece at the halftime break, the game remained tightly contested throughout the second half. Wheaton led by five with 12:30 left to go in the game when Kyle Neibch hit a three to give the Thunder a 42-47 advantage. The Big Blue chipped away at the lead and after over a four and a half minute scoring drought by both teams, Millikin tied the game at 54-54 on a pair of Frazier Ott free throws. Jaden McClain added a pair of free throws to give Millikin the lead.

Wheaton tied the game on a layup from Connor Braun, but two free throws from Nate Straughter with 2:00 remaining on the clock gave Millikin back the lead. After a missed jumper by Wheaton's Nick Schiavello, JT Welch's cross court pass to find Nate Straughter in the left corner for a three gave Millikin the 61-56 lead.

The Big Blue shot 44.2% from the field in the game. Welch topped the scoring column with 15 points, and Straughter and Chase Travis each added 14. Welch, Ott, and Travis each pulled down six rebounds for Millikin.

Wheaton was led by Braun with 14 points and Neibch who added 11.

The Big Blue will take the court at the Griswold Center on Saturday, December 2 for a non-conference matchup with Washington University in St. Louis with the game set for a 2:00 PM tip. 
Print Friendly Version