The Millikin men's basketball team dropped a hard-fought conference road contest on Saturday afternoon, falling 67–65 to Carroll University at Van Male Fieldhouse. With the loss, the Big Blue move to 11–4 overall and 3–3 in CCIW play.

Millikin led 30–25 at halftime after holding Carroll to 32.1 percent shooting in the opening period, but the Pioneers used a strong second half to pull ahead late. The game featured 13 lead changes and remained tight until the final seconds.

Senior guard Lane Thomann led all scorers with 22 points, shooting a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. Thomann also added five rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Tionne Spates provided a strong presence inside, finishing with 11 points and six rebounds, while Nate Straughter contributed nine points and seven rebounds. Millikin held a 34–32 advantage in points in the paint and finished with 43 total rebounds.

The Big Blue briefly took the lead with just over five minutes remaining, but Carroll capitalized on second-chance opportunities down the stretch. A late basket in the final second sealed the outcome for the Pioneers.

Millikin will return home for its next contest, hosting Wheaton College on January 14, as conference play continues at the Griswold Center.